The 2024 Ibrahim Index of African Governance has highlighted a steady decline in governance standards in Nigeria. According to the report, Nigeria is now ranked among countries like Botswana, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Senegal, Sudan, and Tunisia, all of which are experiencing worsening governance.
The report states, “For the remaining 21 countries, which host 47.9% of Africa’s population, governance levels in 2023 are worse than in 2014. Among these are 11 countries, including Botswana, Burkina Faso, Eswatini, Guinea, Mauritius, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Sudan, Tunisia, and Uganda. Together, these nations, home to 29.3% of the population, have seen a more pronounced decline in governance over the latter half of the decade.”
The report attributes the concerning trend to a continued deterioration in the Security & Rule of Law category, which has declined by 1.6 points since 2014. Additionally, there has been an irregular trajectory in Participation, Rights & Inclusion, resulting in a 0.2-point drop between 2014 and 2023.
Security and safety have been the hardest hit areas, with a drop of 5.0 points, followed closely by a 4.5-point decrease in Participation. Other categories such as Rights and Accountability & Transparency have also worsened, losing 2.8 points.
This report follows a World Bank study that pointed out Nigeria’s continued wasteful expenditure under the administration of President Bola Tinubu. The World Bank’s Nigeria Development Update, accessed by SaharaReporters, criticized the government’s weak efforts in reducing unnecessary expenditures. The report urged the administration to eliminate non-essential spending, such as vehicle purchases and external training.
Nigeria’s governance struggles are exacerbated by leadership challenges, which have hindered the country’s development. Insecurity remains a major issue, with widespread kidnappings and killings affecting various regions.
Despite a N3.2 trillion security expenditure under the Tinubu administration, kidnappings and violent incidents persist across the nation. While the government insists on its commitment to improving governance, many Nigerians have voiced frustration over the impact of these policies on their daily lives.
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