Abstract

The Nigerian state has been beleaguered with variegated challenges since the post-colonial history. Over this period, there has been a recurrent and sustained argument that the Nigerian state comparatively underperforms due to lack of credible and sustainable governance. Without good governance, there would be no accountability and transparency, rule of law and national development. It is the contention of this paper that the country has not experienced national development because the principles of good governance have been grossly undermined and thwarted. This paper, which utilized the qualitative methodology and draws data from secondary sources, examines the connection between good governance and national development in Nigeria and submits that only good governance offers the best prospects for national development. The paper concludes that the hope and assurance for national development in Nigeria rests in promoting good governance through the principles of transparency and accountability, rule of law, popular participation and consultation.