The Role of Leadership and Good Governance in Addressing Sustainability Challenges in Nigeria

Abstract

Sustainability means meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, while balancing social well-being, economic growth, and environmental protection. Based on the extant literature, the role of leadership and good governance in achieving sustainability cannot be overemphasized. It is argued that without effective leadership and good governance, the goal of sustainable growth may be elusive. As evident in the existing studies, the goals of sustainability have not been adequately achieved in Nigeria. Carbon footprints, unsustainable water usage and energy consumption are increasing in the face of environmental regulatory frameworks and polices. These problems have been associated with leadership and governance failure. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to examine the roles of leadership and good governance in driving and achieving sustainability goals. The paper considered how socio-economic developments and
environmental protection can be achieved via effective leadership and good governance. The study anchored on two frameworks. leadership framework to which seek to determine appropriate leadership styles to achieve sustainability goals in Nigeria. Secondly, the good governance framework which is set out to suggest how governance should be structured to achieve the goals of sustainability. Secondary data was used to achieve the aim of this paper. Both academic and grey (official documents, newspaper reports among others) literature were sourced, retrieved and analysed. The study concluded that to achieve sustainability goals, it is imperative for leadership framework to have elements of ethicality, connectedness, collaboration, creativity and courage. The paper combined both practical and theoretical relevancies. In terms of practical relevance, it suggests appropriate good governance framework and leadership styles to achieve the goals of sustainability in Nigeria. Additionally, it contributes to literature on good governance and leadership.