Addressing The Lack of Continuity in Government in Nigeria: A Path to Sustainable Development

Linda Ganya 

It is no news that a country such as Nigeria, with vast potential and abundant resources, has struggled with the challenge of continuity in government , which is evident in almost all part of the nation. 

The lack of consistent policies, programs, and projects due to frequent changes in leadership has hindered the country’s progress and development.

Nigeria has faced periods of political instability, including military coups and transitions between democratic and military rule. 

These disruptions have often resulted in abrupt changes in government leadership, leading to a lack of continuity in governance.

Furthermore, the winner-takes-all nature of Nigerian politics has contributed to a situation where each new government seeks to abandon or erase the legacies of its predecessors, leading to discontinuity in policies and projects which on most cases would have been a great step to the nations development. 

Sodiq Oyeleye of the Punch newspaper on January  6, 2022, reported about 10 abandoned projects in Nigeria which include the following amongst many others The ROC International hotel initiated by the plateau state government in 1981, Suleja international Hotel, conceived when the idea to relocate the countries capital from Lagos to Abuja was contemplated and the federal parastatals were located in Suleja emirate then. 

Another report by Damilola Aina of the same punch newspaper in June 27, 2023 stated that “President Bola Tinubu’s administration inherited 38 uncompleted road projects worth N979bn from the Muhammadu Buhari government.

The projects were identified through an analysis of the 2023 budget and cross-checked with the national monitoring and evaluation platform, EYEMARK, which was launched by Buhari in December last year. 

His report states that despite assurances from the former President to ensure the completion of the roads before the end of his tenure, several key road networks were left half-done due to low revenue and other challenges.

One of the critical projects is the expansion of the Abuja-Keffi dual carriageway and the dualization of the Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi road in Nasarawa State.

Other key projects that are yet to be completed include the Benue State Phase 1, Lafia bypass, and 9th mile (Enugu)-Otukpo-Makurdi Road in Enugu and Benue States Phase II which reportedly costs about N32.5bn.

Also on the list is the rehabilitation of the Ikorodu-Shagamu Road including the access road to Mosimi in Lagos State at the cost of N100m and the full scope development of Federal Capital Terriory Highway 105 (Kuje Road) from the airport expressway to the outer Southern Expressway with Spur at Kyami District valued at N54.95bn. 

The dualization of Akure-Ado Ekiti Road in Ondo/Ekiti states was put at N90bn.

For so many reasons as to why this is happening, it is very obvious that Corruption has and is still playing a significant role in disrupting continuity in Nigerian governance.

Mismanagement of public funds, embezzlement, and lack of transparency have hindered the effective implementation of long-term plans and policies. 

All this put together in one plate often led to the abandonment of ongoing projects when a new administration takes office, further exacerbating the lack of continuity.

The lack of robust institutional frameworks and a strong civil service system has contributed to the absence of continuity in government.

Building and sustaining institutions that are not reliant on individual leaders is crucial for ensuring continuity. 

This requires investment in capacity building for government officials, promoting merit-based recruitment and advancement, and ensuring that the civil service is insulated from the political whims of changing administrations.

To achieve continuity in government, there is a pressing need to prioritize long-term development planning. This involves creating comprehensive, inclusive, and sustainable policies that transcend changes in leadership.

 By developing a national development plan with input from multiple stakeholders, Nigeria can ensure that its policies and programs are not subject to the short-term interests of politicians.

Fostering a culture of accountability and transparency within the government is essential for ensuring continuity. Implementing effective checks and balances, strengthening anti-corruption agencies, and promoting open governance can help mitigate the disruptive effects of corruption and political changes. 

This will create an environment where policies and programs continue irrespective of leadership transitions. The lack of continuity in government in Nigeria has been a longstanding challenge that has impeded the country’s progress. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach that focuses on political stability, institutional strengthening, long-term planning, and promoting accountability and transparency. 

By investing in these areas, Nigeria can overcome the barriers to continuity and pave the way for sustainable development. It is imperative for Nigerian policymakers to prioritize these efforts to ensure that the country’s governance is characterized by stability, coherence, and progress for the benefit of all its citizens.