LEADERSHIP AND GOOD GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA: AN EXPLORATION OF ISSUES AND PROSPECTS FOR NATIONAL PROGRESS

ABSTRACT

Leadership and good governance have become increasingly crucial in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, following the return of democratic governance. Research on the relationship between leadership and good governance is now imperative for national development. This study examines the challenges and prospects of leadership and good governance in Nigeria's Fourth Republic. Key challenges facing Nigeria's leadership include corruption, electoral fraud, resource mismanagement, and poor infrastructure development. Institutionalization of good governance is hindered by delayed prosecution of corrupt officials, lack of grassroots development, electoral process abuse, insecurity, negative governance orientation, and lack of patriotic politicians. To address these challenges, the study recommends introducing electronic voting systems, ensuring human and material security, removing immunity clauses for political office holders, and promoting national re-orientation. Field surveys and secondary analysis were used to gather data through open-ended questionnaires, unstructured interviews, and analysis of public and private sector responses, as well as student perspectives.