Governance failures remain worryingly persistent in most developing countries. Many nations are struggling under the burden of systemic inefficiencies, economic mismanagement, and social unrest, all symptoms of bad governance. In Nigeria, these challenges are particularly visible: dilapidated infrastructure, inconsistent public service delivery, weak rule of law, insecurity, corruption, executive arbitrariness and lack of fiscal discipline are undermining progress. At the core of these failures lies a simple but sobering truth: citizens lose trust when those in power fail to act with transparency and accountability. Without these pillars, democracy becomes performative, and public trust is eroded.
In this background, the principles of good governance should be immediately put forward. Good governance, as widely recognized in the international development literature, refers to how public institutions conduct affairs and manage resources for the benefit of citizens. This includes the ethical use of power, equitable allocation of resources, and consistent application of accountability standards. Conversely, bad governance emerges when leaders ignore the voices of citizens, shirk responsibility for decisions, and allow personal or political interests to dominate the public welfare.
The United Kingdom's Nolan Committee, in its landmark 1995 report, identified seven principles that serve as a benchmark for ethical public life: selflessness, integrity, impartiality, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership by example. Despite being formulated in the UK context, these principles resonate globally. They provide a roadmap for any nation committed to restoring public trust and institutional credibility. When implemented effectively, they are particularly relevant to Nigeria, where public frustration with perceived impunity and mismanagement is palpable.
From a practical perspective, implementing these principles is not merely aspirational; This is transformative. When leaders act with honesty and transparency, the benefits spread throughout society. Rural electrification becomes possible, housing projects become sustainable, and electricity reaches both urban and rural communities. Markets are stocked with food, drinking water is reliably available, roads are maintained, and citizens can access healthcare and education without difficulty. Governance systems that prioritize accountability ensure that public resources are managed efficiently, reduce corruption, and enhance financial stability at all levels. In short, transparency and accountability are not abstract ideals; They are the operational backbone of national development.
Yet, realizing this vision requires more than lofty principles. Nigeria's leadership must institutionalize accountability mechanisms and foster a culture of transparency. Annual audits, public disclosure of financial activities, participatory budgeting and citizen oversight committees are practical measures that embed accountability in governance. Leaders should also adopt value for money audits focused on the three Es, economy, efficiency and effectiveness, to ensure solid returns from public funds. Failure to implement such mechanisms leaves room for corruption, mismanagement and erosion of trust that blocks national progress.
Furthermore, good governance must be holistic, inclusive and consistent at all levels of government from the local council to the federal level and up to the executive, legislature and judiciary. Citizens must understand that governance structures serve everyone, not just a privileged few. This notion is important because once public trust is lost, it is difficult to regain. When citizens see their leaders acting openly, taking responsibility for mistakes, and prioritizing collective welfare over individual gain, social cohesion is stronger and democracy is strengthened.
Good governance also requires foresight. Leaders must anticipate challenges, plan for long-term social needs, and invest in systems that can withstand political changes. For example, planning for rural development, health care expansion and infrastructure maintenance cannot be left to ad-hoc initiatives; These require institutional commitment, clear policy frameworks and sustained funding. Without these, even well-intentioned programs risk collapse as political priorities change.
As Nigeria moves towards the end of 2025, the call for accountability and transparency has never been more urgent. Citizens are no longer passive observers; They demand proactive, ethical and results-driven leadership. Implementing a governance model rooted in transparency and accountability is essential not only to restore public trust but also to create conditions for sustainable national development. It is a call for leaders to act decisively, ethically and with vision, putting principles into practice and turning promises into measurable results.
In conclusion, good governance is both a moral and strategic imperative. Nigeria has the human resources, institutional framework and social awareness to adopt a governance culture based on accountability and transparency. All that remains is the political will to act. Leaders must understand that restoring public trust is not an optional exercise; This is a prerequisite for stability, prosperity and long-term development. Only by embedding transparency and accountability into the DNA of governance can Nigeria translate its democratic ideals into tangible progress for all citizens.
Dr. Kingsley Ndubueze Ayozie is a Public Affairs Analyst and Chartered Accountant based in FCTI, FCA, Lagos.
