Unpatriotic Leadership Undermining Governance, Economic Growth in Nigeria, Says UNILORIN Don

By Reloaded News Desk

A senior lecturer in the Department of French at the University of Ilorin, Dr. Bayo Isa, has identified what he described as a lack of patriotism among political leaders, particularly at the state level, as a major obstacle to effective governance and economic development in Nigeria.

Isa made the observation during a telephone interview with Reloaded News on Saturday, arguing that many state governments had failed to use their resources, human capital and policy-making powers to provide infrastructure capable of stimulating economic activity, improving living standards and reducing the cost of living.

The university don said state governments needed to think more deeply about how public infrastructure and economic policies could translate into tangible benefits for residents rather than pursue projects without clear economic returns.

He questioned why private-sector investors such as Aliko Dangote could undertake major industrial and economic projects while state governments, with access to public resources and substantial administrative powers, often struggled to achieve comparable economic transformation within their jurisdictions.

“Are we now saying Dangote is richer than all states in Nigeria?” Isa queried, challenging state leaders to examine how effectively they deploy public resources to support development.

Isa, a former programme coordinator at the university’s Centre for Cultural Studies and Creative Arts and a former assistant director at its Linguistic Immersion Centre, said governments should learn from subnational administrations in advanced economies, including Texas and California in the United States, where state-level policies and investments contribute to economic activity.

He argued that Nigerian states needed to develop stronger economic foundations by investing in infrastructure and creating conditions that enable businesses, farmers and other productive sectors to thrive.

Dr. Isa maintained that state governments had a significant responsibility for the economic conditions experienced by residents, particularly through decisions affecting infrastructure, local commerce and productivity.

He identified electricity provision and economically viable road networks as important areas requiring greater attention from state administrations.

According to him, reliable electricity can support businesses and industrial activities, while roads connecting farming communities to markets can reduce transportation difficulties, improve access to buyers and strengthen agricultural value chains.

He urged governors to prioritise projects capable of stimulating economic activity, arguing that infrastructure spending should be assessed by its wider benefits to residents and businesses.

The senior lecturer also criticised the construction of infrastructure without sufficient consideration of its potential economic impact, stressing the need for projects that can generate wider benefits, support employment and improve household welfare.

His position comes amid continuing debates about the respective responsibilities of federal and state governments in Nigeria’s electricity sector.

Constitutional and legislative changes have expanded the scope for states to regulate electricity markets within their jurisdictions, subject to the applicable legal framework.

The university don also identified Nigeria’s political recruitment process as a major contributor to governance challenges.

He urged political parties across the country to demonstrate patriotism by presenting competent candidates for elective offices, arguing that the quality of leadership depends partly on the choices parties make before candidates reach the electorate.

Isa maintained that parties should prioritise competence and the capacity to deliver public services rather than place political considerations above the public interest.

He argued that the selection of capable leaders was essential to ensuring that public resources were deployed effectively and that governments pursued policies capable of improving economic conditions.

His comments place responsibility not only on elected officeholders but also on the political parties and processes that determine who contests elections.

Dr. Isa commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as sagacity and innovation, while urging the Federal Government to intensify efforts to alleviate the economic hardship experienced by Nigerians.

He said the administration should ensure that its economic reforms ultimately translate into meaningful improvements in the welfare of ordinary citizens.

The lecturer’s position reflects the continuing debate over the relationship between economic reforms, long-term growth and the immediate cost-of-living pressures confronting households.

While reforms may be designed to address structural economic problems, their success must also be assessed by their effects on purchasing power, employment, business costs and access to essential services.

Isa urged the Federal Government to give priority to measures that ease the burden on Nigerians as the country pursues economic adjustment.

His broader argument was that effective governance requires political leaders at every level to demonstrate commitment to the public interest through sound policy choices, productive investment and measurable improvements in people’s lives.

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