Onwunyi, Ugochukwu
Mmaduabuchi & Nwobu,
Chukwudi Michael
Department
of Public Administration, Paul University, Awka
Department
of Political Science, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University
Email: ugochukwu.onwunyi@gmail.com,
nwobuchukwudimichael@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
The
economic development or under-development of a state is directly and indirectly
affected by the nature of political leadership present. Inefficient or
misdirected political leadership has tentatively become one of the biggest
obstacles to the economic development of Nigeria. From the lack of efficient
and workable economic policies to heavy dependence on crude oil, tribal
politics, the menace of insurgency, bribery and corruption, infringement on
human rights, neglect of other sectors like education, health, transportation,
science and technology and lackadaisical attitude of the administrators to the
masses, the economy of the Nigerian state has taken a downturn for the worst.
This has led to the devaluing of the Nigerian currency, dwindling of foreign exchange
and the subsequent fall in standard of living. This paper therefore focused on
the relationship between political leadership and economic development in
Nigeria on one hand and proffering solutions that will enhance effective
political leadership which will lead to the salvaging of the Nigerian economy
on the other hand, 1999-2019. The methodology of research was qualitative while
the trait theory of leadership formed the framework for the study. Arising from
the above, the paper was able to find out that there is an absence of synergy among the three arms of
government in Nigeria which is evident in cases where each arm acts on its own
whims and caprices, and not serving as recourse when necessary. The study
recommended that there is need for the Executive
to work closely with the National Assembly to expedite action on some priority
legislation needed to spur economic development. On another hand, there is need
for greater clarity and consistency with respect to government’s policy
direction. There is no gainsaying that our current economic woes were to some
extent caused by the absence of economic policy leadership and confidence.
Keyword: Economy, Development, Politics, Leadership,
Nigeria
