In democracy, we often confuse governance with good governance. Many equate the act of maintaining public services, roads, and infrastructure as exemplary leadership. However, true good governance goes beyond simply managing resources—it requires vision, strategy, and a lasting impact on society. In the Nigerian context, these two contrasting approaches are easily observable across the states, especially since the early 4th Republic. Some states have achieved great strides with visionary leadership, while others have only maintained the status quo without catalyzing real change.
Governance is the act of fulfilling basic responsibilities: running hospitals, paying salaries, fixing roads, or funding education. But good governance goes beyond that. It addresses pressing issues and strives for measurable outcomes. Take health care, for instance. While governance ensures that primary health care centers remain functional, good governance focuses on reducing infant mortality rates and increasing life expectancy by advancing innovative health care solutions.
This distinction can be clearly seen in the comparison of states like Cross River under Donald Duke, Lagos under successive governors, Kaduna under Nasir el-Rufai, and Akwa Ibom under Godswill Akpabio.
Cross River: A Shining Example of Good Governance
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During Donald Duke’s administration in the early 4th Republic, Cross River emerged as a standout example of good governance. The state transformed itself into a tourism hub through visionary projects such as the **Obudu Mountain Resort** and **Tinapa Business Resort**, which attracted international attention. These projects did more than just boost tourism; they fostered cultural pride and economic diversification, helping the state increase its internally generated revenue (IGR). Duke’s administration didn’t settle for the basic act of governance; it created an ideology that was centered on growth and sustainability, pushing Cross River to the forefront of state development.
Good governance in Cross River wasn’t just about building projects—it was about building an identity and a future for the state. Today, Cross River’s tourism industry continues to stand as a legacy of good governance, one that was focused on long-term benefits for the people, rather than just immediate infrastructure gains.
Lagos: A Case of Missed Potential
Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, presents a different picture. The state has been managed under a governance framework that ensures steady infrastructure maintenance and high IGR, thanks to its status as the country’s financial hub. However, despite its economic strength, Lagos is yet to transition from governance to good governance. There is little in the way of an overarching vision or ideology that propels Lagos forward as a globally innovative city.
Take, for instance, the **Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)** system. While its introduction was an important step in easing transportation woes, it has not evolved to meet the city’s growing needs. Instead of implementing forward-thinking transport policies like eco-friendly systems or smart city technologies, Lagos has relied on maintaining what exists without significantly innovating or improving the lives of its residents. This approach leaves Lagos stuck in governance, meeting basic expectations but failing to push beyond them.
Kaduna: Governance Without Innovation
Under Nasir el-Rufai, Kaduna State saw a focus on governance with some structural improvements, particularly in infrastructure and education. El-Rufai was known for controversial but strong administrative reforms, such as sacking underperforming civil servants and teachers. However, while governance improved in terms of managing resources, there was little in the way of strategic vision that could elevate Kaduna to the next level of good governance.
For instance, the state’s infrastructure projects were necessary, but there was no accompanying ideological shift that could change the state’s trajectory long-term. Governance remained transactional—focusing on delivering roads, schools, and healthcare—but without the innovation required to foster real change in the socio-economic fabric of the state. While el-Rufai’s administration maintained the machinery of government, it didn’t create lasting frameworks for social development or economic transformation.
Akwa Ibom: The Blueprint of Good Governance
In contrast, Akwa Ibom under Godswill Akpabio stands as a strong case for good governance. Akpabio’s leadership was defined by a clear and ambitious vision: transforming Akwa Ibom into an industrial and infrastructural giant. His administration focused on building a comprehensive road network, launching the **Ibom E-Library**, and creating the **Ibom International Airport**, all of which elevated the state’s profile and improved the quality of life for its residents.
Akpabio didn’t just focus on governance by maintaining infrastructure—he built new frameworks for the future. His administration brought industrialization to the forefront, creating jobs and reducing poverty through strategic investments. This is good governance: going beyond just governing and actively seeking to transform society by creating a clear vision for progress. Akwa Ibom became synonymous with innovation, growth, and a redefined identity during Akpabio’s tenure.
The Missing Ideology in Governance
The gap between planet governance and planet good governance lies in the absence of a unifying ideology. States like Cross River and Akwa Ibom succeeded not just because they built infrastructure but because they built a narrative and future for their people. Conversely, states like Lagos and Kaduna, despite their wealth and resources, have failed to establish a lasting impact beyond governance.
In democracy, the difference between success and failure often boils down to leadership that has a vision beyond the immediate. Good governance isn’t about just keeping the lights on; it’s about changing the world. In Nigeria, we must continue to push for leadership that is transformative, visionary, and focused on creating lasting legacies.
The question remains: is Nigeria as a whole still operating on the plane of basic governance, or are we ready to embrace good governance that moves our nation forward, creating a better future for all?
Lawal is Executive Director, Electoral College Nigeria
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