Nigeria’s 25-Year Democratic Journey: Harnessing Strategic International Engagement

Nigeria’s 25-Year Democratic Journey: Harnessing Strategic International Engagement

By Araka Okolieaboh

As Nigeria marks 25 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, the nation stands at a critical juncture, reflecting on its journey and the future trajectory of its political, economic, and social systems. The transition from military to civilian rule in 1999 was a watershed moment, heralding an era of democratic experimentation that has been both challenging and transformative. Over the past quarter-century, Nigeria has grappled with issues of governance, economic development, and social cohesion while navigating the complex dynamics of global politics. This article explores the importance of New Public Management (NPM) as a tool for enhancing good governance in Nigeria and underscores the need for a strategic re-engagement with Western powers to secure a stable and a more prosperous future.

The Evolution of Nigeria’s Democratic Governance

Since its return to democracy, Nigeria has made notable strides in consolidating democratic institutions and processes. Electoral reforms, judicial independence, economic development and anti-corruption initiatives have been some of the key areas of focus. However, despite these efforts, the country continues to face significant challenges. Issues such as political instability, ethno-religious tensions, and governance inefficiencies have hampered Nigeria’s progress. The persistence of a rentier state mentality, where the government relies heavily on oil revenues at the expense of other sectors, has further complicated the governance landscape.

Economic development has been a mixed bag. While there have been periods of robust growth, particularly during the oil boom, the lack of diversification and inefficiency in public service delivery have stymied sustainable development. Socially, Nigeria remains a nation of contrasts, with stark inequalities, high unemployment, and inadequate social services continuing to challenge the government’s capacity to deliver on its promises. These challenges highlight the urgent need for a governance model that prioritizes transparency, efficiency, accountability, and citizen-centric service delivery—hallmarks of New Public Management.

The Case for New Public Management in Nigeria

New Public Management (NPM) is a governance paradigm that seeks to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public administration by incorporating private sector practices. NPM emphasizes decentralization, performance measurement, public-private partnerships, and citizen engagement, making it highly relevant for a country like Nigeria, where public sector inefficiency has long been a barrier to progress.

In Nigeria, the adoption of NPM principles could address many of the systemic issues that have plagued the public sector. Decentralization, for instance, could empower local governments, reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks and enhancing service delivery at the grassroots level. Implementing performance-based evaluation systems would ensure that public servants and agencies are held accountable for their actions, promoting a culture of excellence in public service. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) could leverage private sector efficiency and innovation for the delivery of critical public services, while citizen engagement would enhance transparency and accountability, ensuring that government actions align with the needs and expectations of the populace.

Re-engaging with the West: A Strategic Imperative

To effectively integrate NPM into Nigeria’s governance framework, a strategic re-engagement with Western nations is crucial. The global political economy is rapidly evolving, driven by neoliberal policies and the second phase of globalization—often referred to as “Re-globalization” or Neoliberalism. In this context, Nigeria’s future is better secured through a mutually beneficial relationship with the West, where both parties can collaborate on issues of governance, economic development, and global security.

PESTEL Analysis of Nigeria-West Relations

To understand the potential benefits of re-engaging with the West, a PESTEL (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, Legal) analysis offers a comprehensive framework for assessing the strategic landscape.

Political: The West’s longstanding commitment to promoting democracy aligns with Nigeria’s democratic aspirations. Political cooperation could enhance governance practices and stability, fostering a more conducive environment for NPM implementation.

Economic: Economic collaboration with the West, particularly in terms of trade and investment, could drive Nigeria’s diversification efforts. The adoption of NPM could facilitate this by creating a more efficient and business-friendly environment, attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and enabling technology transfer.

Social: Western support for social development programs could help Nigeria address critical social issues, such as health, education, and poverty reduction—areas where NPM’s focus on outcomes and customer satisfaction can make a significant impact.

Technological: Access to Western technology and expertise could bolster Nigeria’s efforts to modernize its public sector, enhancing service delivery and enabling the country to compete more effectively in the global economy.

Environmental: Collaboration with the West on environmental issues could help Nigeria address the challenges of climate change, which are increasingly linked to global security and economic policies.

Legal: Strengthening legal frameworks through partnerships with Western legal institutions could support Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts and enhance the rule of law, both of which are critical to the successful implementation of NPM.

Great Power Politics and Nigeria’s Strategic Positioning

In the context of Great Power Politics, the rivalry between the United States and China presents both challenges and opportunities for Nigeria. By aligning more closely with the West, Nigeria can leverage its strategic position to secure development aid, attract investment, and gain support for governance reforms. However, Nigeria must maintain a degree of flexibility, engaging with other global powers when it serves its national interests. This non-aligned approach allows Nigeria to maximize its strategic options while maintaining sovereignty over its domestic and foreign policy decisions.

Recommendations

Embrace New Public Management: Nigeria should fully adopt NPM principles to improve governance, reduce corruption, and enhance public service delivery. This requires significant investment in training, infrastructure, and reform of public institutions.

Strategic Re-engagement with the West: Nigeria must renegotiate its relationships with Western countries, focusing on partnerships that are mutually beneficial. This includes seeking technical assistance, investment, and support for democratic consolidation.

Utilize the PESTEL Framework: The Nigerian government should regularly employ the PESTEL framework to assess and adjust its strategies in engaging with Western nations, ensuring alignment with national interests and global trends.

Leverage Great Power Politics: Nigeria should strategically navigate the U.S.-China rivalry by positioning itself as a key partner to the West while maintaining flexibility to engage with other global powers when beneficial.

Conclusion

As Nigeria celebrates 25 years of democratic governance, the need to evolve its governance structures through New Public Management is clear. This evolution requires a recalibration of Nigeria’s relationship with the West to foster a governance model that is efficient, transparent, and inclusive. By strategically engaging with Western powers within the framework of Great Power Politics and utilizing the PESTEL framework, Nigeria can secure a future that not only benefits its citizens but also enhances its standing in the global arena.

In the words of Araka Okolieaboh, “To whom the brain is given, critical thinking skills and innovative solutions are expected; however, survival and self-help determine every state’s behavior.” This strategic insight underscores the importance of Nigeria’s proactive engagement in shaping its future, both domestically and on the global stage.

Author:
Araka Okolieaboh, CMC, FIMC
Sustainability Trainer & Executive Intelligence Management Specialist
WSB University, Dabrowa Gornicza, Poland