AN ANALYSIS OF POLITICAL INSTABILITY AND WEAK GOVERNANCE AS IMPEDIMENTS TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study Political instability remains a persistent and widely debated issue across the African continent, drawing the attention of scholars and the general public alike. Africa, recognized as the second-largest continent in the world, has historically faced and continues to face recurrent episodes of instability. A major contributor to this instability is the nature of political leadership across many African nations, as well as the motivations and outcomes—both real and perceived—of attaining and holding onto power. These dynamics have given rise to governance challenges and persistent political unrest throughout the region. Arriola (2019) points out that political victories in Africa often resemble a "winner-takes-all" scenario, where access to state resources, influence, and privilege are concentrated in the hands of those in power. The lingering effects of historical injustices and authoritarian systems inherited from colonial regimes continue to influence post-independence leadership in Africa. These challenges underscore the consequences of fragile state institutions, ineffective legislative systems, and prolonged political rivalries, all of which have detrimental effects on national development. Such structural deficiencies impede African countries from achieving the progress expected in contemporary, globally integrated societies. Ake (2020) provides a grim assessment of the continent, noting that most African countries are experiencing stagnation rather than progress. This reality underscores the extent of underdevelopment plaguing the population, even in the face of abundant natural resources. Despite the wave of independence in the 1960s that brought political autonomy to many African countries, tangible strides toward national development and political stability have largely fallen short. Ake (2020) attributes this shortcoming to adverse political and socio-economic conditions prevalent in developing nations. These challenges manifest in weak strategic planning and execution, a lack of entrepreneurial capacity, the suppression of market mechanisms, declining global commodity prices, unfavorable trade terms, lack of innovation, over-reliance on foreign aid, rampant corruption, and a general lack of discipline. In Nigeria, these issues are particularly pronounced. The country continues to grapple with poor governance, political instability, and an enduring legitimacy crisis. These systemic flaws not only obstruct national development but also contribute to an unpredictable political climate. Ethnic competition for access to state resources has also fueled widespread corruption and inefficiency in public administration (Fagbadebo, 2019). One of the key drivers of political instability in Nigeria is the method through which political leaders consolidate power—largely through the allocation of state resources to secure loyalty. This system has made disputes over resource distribution highly volatile, with potential to spiral into chaos and hamper the nation’s economic development. Nigeria’s ability to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is significantly undermined by the intersection of weak governance structures and political instability. The country struggles to meet critical targets such as poverty eradication, quality education, clean water and sanitation, and sustainable economic growth (Kew & Oshita, 2018). Governance failures and political unrest obstruct the formulation and execution of sustainable policies, resulting in slow or stagnant progress across multiple sectors (UNDP, 2020). For instance, efforts to realize SDG 1, which focuses on eliminating extreme poverty, are consistently hindered by corruption and mismanagement of public funds. These issues limit both the availability and equitable distribution of national resources. Given these realities, this study is designed to examine the extent to which political instability and poor governance impact sustainable development in Nigeria. 1.2 Statement of the Problem A core issue contributing to political instability in Nigeria is the failure of political leaders to uphold fundamental democratic values and constitutional principles (Kew, 2018). Harriman (2022) observes that such failures have resulted in the abuse of power, entrenched corruption, disregard for the rule of law and judicial independence, intolerance of political opposition, electoral manipulation, and the degradation of institutional integrity. Political instability—characterized by frequent leadership changes, electoral violence, and civil unrest—undermines policy continuity and the successful implementation of long-term development plans. Amundsen (2020) further emphasizes that poor governance, marked by weak accountability, pervasive corruption, and ineffective public institutions, exacerbates these challenges, weakening efforts aimed at sustainable development. In Nigeria, episodes of political instability frequently result in inconsistent policies and a lack of sustained focus on developmental priorities. Alesina et al. (2019) assert that constant changes in government disrupt the execution of long-term projects and reforms that are essential for sustainable progress. Corruption, as a manifestation of poor governance, significantly obstructs Nigeria’s sustainable development. It diverts resources away from essential public services, leading to inadequate investment in critical sectors like education, healthcare, and infrastructure (Transparency International, 2020). The mismanagement of public funds prevents the development of human capital and perpetuates cycles of poverty and social inequality. This is evident in the deteriorating state of national infrastructure and the poor quality of public education and healthcare services (Nwokoma, 2019). Moreover, the inefficiency of public institutions and weak enforcement of legal frameworks further hinder the realization of sustainable development goals. The lack of transparency and accountability in governance fosters a climate of inefficiency, where policies are poorly implemented and public trust in government is eroded. Therefore, this study aims to critically assess the extent to which political instability and weak governance structures have impeded sustainable development efforts in Nigeria.  1.3  Objectives of the Study The main purpose of this study is to analyze Political Instability and Weak Governance as Impediments to Sustainable Development in Nigeria. Specifically, the study will; i.Investigate the causes of political instability and poor governance in Nigeria. ii.Ascertain the effect of political instability and poor governance on infrastructural development in Nigeria iii.Ascertain the effect of political instability and poor governance on the provision of adequate social amenities. iv.Ascertain the effect of political instability and poor governance on the creation of employment opportunities in Nigeria. 1.4 Research Questions The following questions have been prepared for the study: i.What are the causes of political instability and poor governance in Nigeria? ii.Does political instability and poor governance have an impact on infrastructural development in Nigeria? iii.Does political instability and poor governance have an impact on the provision of adequate social amenities? iv.Does political instability and poor governance affect the creation of employment opportunities in Nigeria? 1.5  Research Hypotheses H0: Political instability and poor governance have no significant effect on sustainable development in Nigeria. Ha: Political instability and poor governance have a significant effect on sustainable development in Nigeria. 1.6 Significance of the Study Policymakers will use this study findings to design and implement strategies that promote political stability and good governance practices, which are essential for sustainable development. Moreover, the study will empower citizens to demand better governance and accountability from their leaders. Additionally, subsequent researchers will use it as a literature review. This means that other students who may decide to conduct studies in this area will have the opportunity to use this study as available literature that can be subjected to critical review. Invariably, the result of the study contributes immensely to the body of academic knowledge with regards to the effect of political instability and poor governance on the sustainable development in Nigeria. 1.7 Scope of the study The scope of this study is boarded on Political Instability and Weak Governance as Impediments to Sustainable Development in Nigeria. Geographically, the study will be delimited to resident of Port Harcourt. 1.8 Limitation of the study In the course of carrying out this study, the researcher experienced some constraints, which included time constraints, financial constraints, language barriers, and the attitude of the respondents. In addition, there was the element of researcher bias. Here, the researcher possessed some biases that may have been reflected in the way the data was collected, the type of people interviewed or sampled, and how the data gathered was interpreted thereafter. The potential for all this to influence the findings and conclusions could not be downplayed.  More so, the findings of this study are limited to the sample population in the study area, hence they may not be suitable for use in comparison to other schools, local governments, states, and other countries in the world.  1.9 Definition of Terms Poor governance: entails systemic corruption and a lack of openness and accountability, arbitrary policy making, and the deception of those who are ruled. It occurs when governing entities refuse to listen to the voices of those they manage and are not willing to take responsibility for their conduct. Sustainable development: a holistic approach to growth and progress that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs Political instability: a situation where there is significant uncertainty, unrest, or conflict within a political system, often characterized by frequent changes in government, widespread corruption, civil unrest, or violence.