Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, continues to battle with an unsettling threesome: bad governance, corruption, and conflict that has hampered national development and reared widespread instability. Experts say these interlinked issues have created a malicious cycle feeding insecurity and discontent while undermining democratic institutions.
The Nexus: Governance Failures Fuelling Conflict. Bad governance in Nigeria, often marked by lack of transparency, weak institutions, poor service delivery, and unaccountable leadership, has laid the groundwork for grievances among marginalized populations. In regions like the North East, North Central, and oil-rich Niger Delta, perceived injustice and exclusion have fuelled violent uprisings and communal strife.
“When leaders prioritize the country and people’s interest ahead of any personal, religious and ethnic interests, they can fulfil their own interests without eroding the trusts of the people and would not leave the citizens vulnerable to manipulations, (Christopher Kolade, 2024).”
As the engine of dysfunction, corruption exacerbates these governance failures. From embezzlement of public funds to election rigging and nepotism, corrupt practices siphon resources meant for infrastructure, education, and health care. According to Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index, Nigeria remains among the world’s most corrupt nations, scoring 27 out of 100.
Conflict, the outcome of bad governance and endemic corruption is evident in the escalating insecurity in Nigeria. Farmer-herder clashes, communal violence, secessionist agitations, and insurgencies continue to displace millions and stifle economic growth. The Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) reports over 3 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nigeria as of early 2025.
Despite these challenges, several measures are being implemented to reverse the tide:
1.Institutional Reforms: The Nigerian government, under pressure from civil society and international partners, has initiated reforms aimed at strengthening anti-corruption agencies such as the EFCC and ICPC. However, analysts warn that these bodies must remain independent and well-funded to be effective.
2.Peacebuilding and Dialogue Initiatives: The establishment of various peace structures by the Institute for peace and conflict Resolution (IPCR) including the Early Warning Response Group (EWRG) comprising security and non-security response personnel, CSOs, religious and traditional leaders, enhanced Conflict Early Warning Situation Room, conflict early warning indicator monitors (CEWIM) and community-based early warning systems have shown promise in de-escalating tensions in conflict-prone areas. Local peace actors play vital roles in reconciliation and mediation. Thus, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution should be equipped with the enactment of national peace policy and adequate funds to function effectively.
3. Civic Engagement and Accountability: Increased activism by youth movements and relevant CSOs such as YIAGA Africa and BudgIT has led to greater citizen oversight of public finances and government performance.
4.Decentralization and Inclusive Governance: There is growing advocacy for constitutional reforms to grant more autonomy to local governments and ensure equitable distribution of resources. Inclusivity, especially of women and minority groups, is seen as key to long-term stability.
5.Education and Economic Empowerment: Tackling root causes of conflict also involves investing in human capitaI. Skills acquisition, job creation, and quality education are being promoted as tools to reduce youth radicalization and insurgency.
While Nigeria’s path to peace is troubled with obstacles, a concerted effort to dismantle the web of bad governance and corruption could pave the way for sustainable peace and development. The country’s future hinges on the political will of its leaders and the resilience of its people to demand and defend a system that works for all.
■ Steve O. Agbo, is of National Conflict Early Warning Situation Room,
Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Abuja
asoemaoriko@gmail.com
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