- Accountability: Accountability means that our public officials in all levels of government (local, state, federal) are answerable to each other and to the citizens. Therefore, they are required to account for what happens within the country, and intervene within the limits of their assigned position and responsibilities to ensure the safety and well-being of the people.
- Transparent: Good governance calls for transparency between the government and the people. This is done through consistent provision of information that allows for clearer understanding of government processes and methods to monitor those processes. This helps to prevent corruption and promotes trust within the system
- Responsive: A responsive government intervenes to maintain stability and avoid crisis by addressing the needs of all stakeholders. A responsive government creates and upholds policies to address loopholes within the system. For example, after the recent tanker fire incident on a Lagos bridge, a responsive government will implement and enforce laws that reduce the risk of that happening in the future.
- Effective/Efficient: Good governance calls for effective and efficient processes. Recourses need to be maximized, and there must be a balance between the need for a project and its cost-effectiveness. For example, sharing the recently returned loot money to “poor Nigerian households” as reported in the news, will not improve the lives of Nigerians in any way. However, investing that money in education and healthcare may have a more sustained benefit for the nation.
- Equitable/Inclusive: Good governance calls for equality and inclusion. This means that the rights of all citizens are valued, and the wellbeing of all members are prioritized in policy making and program allocations. No groups should be neglected based on tribe, culture, or religious differences.
- Participatory: A good government allows for participation of its citizens in the development and implementation of policies because the citizens’ experiences and exposures can inform the government on the needs of the people, and where resources should be directed. Citizens should be able to access their immediate leaders at the local level, who then advocate for the concerns of his or her constituents at the national level.
- Follows the rule of law: Good governance calls for a fair law system where no one is above the law and the rights of all citizens are protected.
- Consensus-Oriented: A good government is conscious about the views of the larger population and seeks the best interest of all. It involves mediating different viewpoints and interests to arrive at a consensus that would benefit the entire group.
- Strategic Vision: Good governance calls for strategic vision in determining short and long-term goals for the country, and what to do to achieve those goals within the designated time frames. It also requires understanding of competing variables including social, financial, cultural, and historical factors that may influence those goals, and developing methods to mitigate those factors.
- Ubuntu: The word “ubuntu” is embodied in the words “compassion” and “humanity.” Our leaders need to stretch the limits of their compassion for our people, and look to alleviate suffering by collectively acting and making policies to improve the well-being of Nigerians.
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