Nigeria’s governance system is facing significant challenges, manifesting in leaders’ inability to recognize and address systemic risks such as election fraud, terrorist attacks, herder-farmer conflicts, armed banditry, and police brutality. The current system prioritizes bribery, intimidation, and violence over education and competence, perpetuating poverty, inequality, and social unrest.
Democratic Reforms and Challenges
Since 1999, Nigeria’s democratic space has been dominated by political elites who consistently violate fundamental principles associated with liberal democracy, such as:
– Competitive elections
– Rule of law
– Political freedom
– Respect for human rights
Corruption and socioeconomic disparities persist, undermining public trust. President Muhammadu Buhari’s unfulfilled promises to fight insecurity and corruption have further eroded confidence in the government.
Governance Indices and Corruption
Nigeria ranks low in various governance indices, including:
– World Governance Index: low scores in government effectiveness, political stability, and control of corruption
– Transparency International Corruption Perception Index: ranked 149 out of 180 countries in 2020
The crisis stems from incompetent leadership, exploited by poverty and illiteracy. The practice of “stomach infrastructure” politics, where politicians prioritize material gifts over vision, perpetuates this cycle.
Epistocracy as a Solution
Experts suggest adopting an epistocratic system, where informed citizens’ votes count more. This system prioritizes knowledge, education, and competence in leadership. However, Nigeria’s low literacy levels and educated citizens’ indifference to politics hinder this approach.
Proposed Policies
To address these challenges, the authors propose:
1. Intellectual Pedigree Requirements: Leaders must demonstrate intellectual rigor and expertise to translate knowledge into effective governance.
2. Government-Sponsored Civic Education: Initiatives integrating civic education into school curriculums to empower citizens.
3. Local NGOs Promoting Civic Education: Partnering with NGOs to promote civic education across Nigeria.
Implementing Epistocracy
Implementing epistocracy incrementally, considering Nigeria’s evolving democracy, can lead to effective governance. This requires:
– Significant improvements in literacy levels
– Civic education initiatives
– Encouraging educated citizens to participate in politics
By adopting an epistocratic system, Nigeria can break the cycle of incompetent leadership and ensure knowledgeable leaders prioritize national prosperity.
