NIGERIA, Dec. 5 -- We must continue to struggle against the conviction that Nigeria has lost it all as a country. It takes stubborn optimism to believe Nigeria could still be great. This assertion becomes even more indisputable when one considers the calibre of those steering the capsizing ship that is Nigeria. Yet, to maintain one's sanity, it's better to hope against hopelessness.

If embezzling public funds is the most thriving enterprise in Nigeria, kidnapping has emerged as a formidable rival. Nature abhors vacuum. Since industries in Nigeria continue to shut down and legitimate businesses are dying due to an unconducive and frightening environment, kidnapping - the new industry - is thriving. This underworld industry is becoming one...