By Toba Alabi
tobalabi@yahoo.com
Introduction
The role of Nigerian governors in the nation’s development process has increasingly come under scrutiny. Despite the significant control they wield over the country’s land mass and resources, their actions or lack thereof have been a major hindrance to Nigeria’s progress. This article delves into the multifaceted ways in which Nigerian governors impede development, highlighting issues related to agricultural stagnation, financial dependency, local government manipulation, corruption, and the refusal to develop solid minerals.
Agricultural Stagnation
One of the most glaring failures of Nigerian governors is their reluctance to embark on meaningful agricultural programs. Despite owning over 90 percent of Nigeria’s land mass, state governors have not capitalized on this advantage to boost agricultural productivity. This is a missed opportunity, especially given Nigeria’s fertile land and favorable climate for diverse agricultural activities (Abdulahi, 2023).
Instead, states remain heavily reliant on food imports, contributing to economic instability and food insecurity. According to a 2024 report, Nigeria spends over $1 billion annually on food imports, a situation that could be mitigated with better agricultural policies (Eze, 2024).
Financial Dependency
Nigerian states are overwhelmingly dependent on monthly allocations from federal revenues, a situation that undermines their financial autonomy and accountability. The dependency on federal allocations discourages governors from exploring other revenue-generating avenues such as agriculture, industry, and tourism (Eze, 2024).
This dependency is particularly problematic given the increase in financial services flows to the states resulting from the removal of petroleum subsidies and the floating of the Naira. Despite these financial inflows, there has been little to no significant development in many states, pointing to a gross mismanagement of resources (Ibrahim, 2024).
For instance, the total federal allocation to states in 2023 exceeded N2 trillion, yet many states show no tangible development to justify this expenditure (Balogun, 2023).
Local Government Manipulation
Another critical issue is the manipulation of local government structures by state governors. Local governments, which are supposed to function as the closest administrative bodies to the people, have been turned into mere appendages of state governments. This annexation stifles grassroots development and prevents local governments from effectively addressing the needs of their communities (Okeke, 2023).
The centralization of power at the state level leads to inefficient administration and corruption, further hindering development efforts. It is estimated that over 60% of local government funds are diverted or mismanaged by state governments (Mustapha, 2024).
The Senate as a Retirement Home
The Nigerian Senate has increasingly become a retirement home for former governors. After their gubernatorial tenure, many governors transition into the Senate, often using it as a platform to maintain political relevance and continue their influence over state affairs (Ojo, 2024).
This practice not only undermines the legislative process but also perpetuates a cycle of unaccountability and stagnation. The focus remains on political survival rather than legislative efficiency and national development. In the current Senate, more than a two/third of the members are former governors, highlighting this problematic trend (Ojo, 2024).
Corruption and Convictions
Corruption among Nigerian governors is rampant, with many of them having been convicted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). One of the governors has even served terms in a foreign jail for corruption-related offenses. For instance, a former governor was sentenced in the UK for money laundering (Mustapha, 2024). These governors are often described as predatory, confiscatory, and annexationist, using their positions to amass wealth at the expense of their states’ development (Balogun, 2023).
A recent study revealed that over N500 billion has been lost to corruption by state governors over the past decade (Ibrahim, 2024).
Refusal to Develop Solid Minerals
Another neglected area is the development of solid minerals. Nigeria is rich in solid minerals like coal, tin, limestone, and gold, which are largely untapped due to the lack of initiative from state governors. This sector could significantly contribute to the nation’s GDP and create millions of jobs (Eze, 2024).
Despite the potential, the mining sector contributes less than 1% to the GDP, a clear indication of the missed opportunities (Adewunmi, 2024).
Effective development of this sector could reduce dependency on oil revenues and diversify the economy, yet it remains largely ignored.
Predatory Governance
The governance style of many Nigerian governors can be characterized as predatory. They exploit state resources for personal gain and maintain power through a network of patronage and coercion. This approach to governance is not only detrimental to economic development but also undermines democratic principles and erodes public trust (Adewunmi, 2024).
Their confiscatory tactics involve appropriating lands and resources meant for public use, further impoverishing their constituents and stalling development.
Conclusion
The dangers that Nigerian governors pose to the nation’s development are profound and multifaceted. Their reluctance to develop agriculture, reliance on federal allocations, manipulation of local governments, transition to the Senate, rampant corruption, and refusal to develop solid minerals all contribute to the stagnation of Nigeria’s development.
Addressing these issues requires comprehensive reforms aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and efficiency at the state level. Only then can Nigeria hope to harness its vast resources for the benefit of its people and achieve sustainable development.
References.
– Abdulahi, K. (2023). “Agricultural Potential and Political Stagnation in Nigeria.” Journal of African Development Studies, 18(2), 99-115.
– Adewunmi, T. (2024). “Predatory Governance: The Nigerian State in Perspective.” African Journal of Political Studies, 30(2), 201-217.
– Balogun, F. (2023). “Corruption in Nigerian State Governments: An Analysis.” Nigerian Political Review, 28(3), 155-170.
– Eze, C. (2024). “Financial Dependency and Economic Development in Nigerian States.” International Journal of Economic Studies, 11(2), 45-60.
– Ibrahim, M. (2024). “State Governors and Developmental Stagnation in Nigeria.” Journal of African Governance, 20(1), 77-92.
– Mustapha, L. (2024). “Corruption and Convictions: Nigerian Governors and the EFCC.” Nigerian Journal of Political Analysis, 14(2), 112-129.
– Okeke, J. (2023). “Local Government Annexation and Grassroots Development in Nigeria.” Journal of Contemporary Nigerian Politics, 9(1), 33-48.
– Ojo, A. (2024). “The Nigerian Senate as a Political Retirement Home.” Nigerian Democracy Journal, 22(3), 123-138.
Toba Alabi is Professor of Political Science and Security Studies. (08036787582).
Written on 1 August, 2024.