Research Article
Making Nigeria Work: The Role of Trusted Leadership in Promoting Economic Growth, Sustainable Development and National Security
Abdullahi Musa
Middle East Research Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences; 149-155.
https://doi.org/10.36348/merjhss.2026.v06i05.002
Nigeria stands at a critical point in its development trajectory. The country possesses a large population of over 200 million people, substantial natural resources, entrepreneurial citizens, a sizeable domestic market and considerable regional influence, yet these advantages have not consistently produced broad-based prosperity and security. This paper examines how trusted leadership can provide the institutional foundation for economic growth, sustainable development and national security. It adopts an analytical approach based on recent policy reports, scholarly literature and relevant development frameworks. The paper argues that trust is not merely a political virtue; it is a productive national asset that reduces uncertainty, strengthens compliance, facilitates collective action and improves the legitimacy of difficult reforms. It further argues that economic growth must be inclusive and employment-generating; sustainable development must integrate economic, social and environmental considerations; and national security must combine effective coercive capacity with justice, opportunity and community engagement. The paper identifies corruption, weak institutional accountability, policy inconsistency, poor public-sector capacity, insecurity, infrastructure deficits, human-capital gaps and social exclusion as major constraints. It proposes a governance framework built around ethical and accountable leadership, strong institutions, policy continuity, inclusive economic transformation, human-capital development, evidence-based administration, security-sector effectiveness, stronger local governance and citizen participation. The paper concludes that making Nigeria work is a long-term institutional project. Nigeria’s resources can become a national dividend only when leadership consistently converts public authority into public value and development outcomes.
Research Article
Political Economy of Intergovernmental Fiscal Relations in Nigeria: Examining Accountability Gaps and the Blame Game in Fuel Subsidy Savings Utilisation
Abdullahi Musa, Fodio Garba, Babagana Bulama Kambar
Middle East Research Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences; 156-163.
https://doi.org/10.36348/merjhss.2026.v06i05.003
This paper examines the political economy of Intergovernmental Fiscal Relations in Nigeria, focusing on accountability gaps and the blame game surrounding the utilisation of fuel subsidy savings between 2023 and 2025. The study specifically analyses three critical dimensions of intergovernmental fiscal accountability including fiscal transparency and reporting mechanisms, intergovernmental transfer systems, and institutional oversight and enforcement and investigates how these factors shape governance outcomes, including public trust, service delivery impact, and fiscal discipline. Drawing on secondary data from official government disclosures, civil society reports, news media, and policy analyses, the paper reveals that Nigeria generated N15.8 trillion in subsidy savings between June 2023 and December 2025, with N10.4 trillion distributed to States and local governments. Despite this unprecedented fiscal windfall, accountability remains abysmal: The Federal Government blames States for non-accountability, while governors reject allegations of mismanagement, creating a classic blame game that obscures systemic institutional failures. The paper concludes that Nigeria's intergovernmental fiscal architecture lacks adequate accountability mechanisms, enabling both tiers of government to dodge responsibility while citizens bear the effect of rising costs and declining services. Recommendations include establishing mandatory public audit of subsidy savings at both Federal and State levels, strengthening the legal framework for fiscal transparency, and creating independent monitoring mechanisms for intergovernmental fiscal transfers
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