Governance and development in Nigeria

An appraisal

Abstract

Development is gradual but complete reorganization and mobilization of the entire social system. The purpose of development is a rise in the level and quality of life of the population. Development is more than improvements in the people’s well-being: it also describes the capacity of the system to provide the circumstances for that continued well-being. Corruption is deeply rooted in the Nigerian society and it destroys any form of development endeavor. Embezzlement of public funds and other fraudulent practices and moreover the government is not citizen based. Ethnic group membership breeds ethnic consciousness or ethnicity which influence interaction between people and groups in Nigeria. The absence of good governance in Nigeria has been extremely damaging to the government's corrective intervention role, particularly in the maintenance of peace and security, as well as the promotion of economic growth and the creation of the wealth needed to confront poverty and improve human development. The research found out that inequality has not allowed Nigeria to embrace sustainable development. This work concludes that Nigeria’s being the Africa's largest economy and one of the sixth growing economies in the world is still unable to resolve the irony of poverty in spite of the abundant human and material resources. The research recommends that it is needful for the government at all levels to wake up with renewed strength and commitment to reduce or totally eradicating the plague of poverty in Nigeria. Nigerian government should ensure that governance is inclusive of women and youth, who have historically been marginalized, as well as cultivate transformative leadership at all levels of government.