Millions of Nigerians are alarmed at the falling oil prices at the international oil market. For many, it's a sign of doom. But for me, and probably for a microscopic few, it's a blessing in disguise. Our leaders have wasted decades of oil fortunes that would have been massively invested in infrastructures and other sectors of the economy, and now they are falling the accompanying consequences. Isaac Newton's Third Law of Motion comes to mind. It was only a matter of time before Nigeria paid for its profligacy and waste. We hardly learn, as a nation! We have refused to think beyond oil; our mental faculties took a deadly sabbatical from the moment the blackgold was discovered in commercial quantities. Now, external forces are controlling our destiny as a people. The falling oil prices will definitely FORCE our leaders to be more proactive in diversifying our economy. Diversifying our economy will definitely give us more options of survival. It's an economic suicide for an entire nation to depend entirely on a commodity so volatile in the International market. If ever we needed to diversify our economy , it's NOW. The crashing oil prices will also, to a long extent, curb official corruption and impunity. Let's see if the government will seat idly and watch some few eggheads embezzle it's limited resources. A commodity that once sold at over $100 per barrel now goes for a little above $55! Infact the amount of money left to be embezzled is largely reduced. The crashing oil prices may also force our thieves to pay more attention to our local refineries, as this may yield more profits than just selling the raw crude directly to the international at very low prices. In every disappointment, there's some blessings. Let's take advantage of this slump and take more proactive steps. As an individual, I've taken some steps to curb financial recklessness as 2015 approaches. He who fails to plan, has planned to fail. Happy Xmas in advance, and a prosperous New Year to all Nairalanders. 1 Like