Nigeria, often called the “Giant of Africa,” is paradoxically one of the continent’s most dysfunctional states despite possessing the form of a democracy. With a population of over 200 million and vast natural resources, the country stands as a critical player in regional and global geopolitics. However, beneath the veneer of democratic processes lies a nation struggling with inadequate governance, corruption, and failure to provide essential services to its people.
At first glance, Nigeria appears to have all the trappings of a functioning democracy – regular elections, a functioning legislature, and a constitution. Yet, the reality is far from this ideal. The state is plagued by ineffective institutions, endemic corruption, and a political class more interested in securing personal power than in creating public value. Nigeria’s democracy, while formally intact, remains, in many ways, a dysfunctional state.
The Discrepancy Between Democracy and Functionality
The philosophical musings of Plato, Aristotle, and Niccolò Machiavelli can offer us some valuable insights into understanding Nigeria’s situation. Plato, in The Republic, argued that the ideal state should be led by philosopher-kings- wise rulers who govern for the common good. Aristotle, his student, took a more pragmatic approach in Politics, suggesting that a successful state must strike a balance between democracy and the rule of law, with a strong, competent middle class to maintain stability. Machiavelli, ever the realist in The Prince, introduced the idea that power should be maintained through pragmatic, sometimes ruthless strategies, focusing on the ability of the ruler to secure and preserve the state, regardless of moral or ethical concerns.
In Nigeria’s case, the failure of its democratic institutions to function effectively is a direct consequence of this gap between the democratic form and the actual functioning of the state. Despite elections, the quality of governance remains abysmal. Plato’s ideal of a state led by philosopher-kings has not materialized, and Aristotle’s notion of a balanced polity, led by a competent and capable ruling class, has not taken root either. Instead, Nigeria finds itself caught between the form of democracy and the failure to function as a true state.
Merilee Grindle, Francis Fukuyama, and the Case for Functionality
Merilee Grindle, a Harvard professor of political science, stresses the importance of what she calls “good enough governance.” According to Grindle, fragile states like Nigeria should first focus on creating functional institutions that can provide basic public services before aspiring to the ideal of good governance. She argues that the key to improving governance is not to aim for perfection but to create the conditions in which basic state functions such as security, rule of law, and service delivery are consistently met.
Francis Fukuyama, an American political scientist, also addresses this issue in his work on state capacity. Fukuyama stresses that a state’s legitimacy is determined not by its adherence to democratic ideals but by its ability to deliver essential functions effectively. For him, a capable state is one that can enforce laws, ensure security, and provide basic infrastructure. Nigeria’s failure to meet these fundamental needs exposes the hollowness of its democratic structures.
This brings us to Kishore Mahbubani, a former Singaporean diplomat and the pioneer dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. Mahbubani argues that the success of Singapore’s government lies not in its democratic framework but in its ability to focus on functional governance. Singapore’s leaders concentrated on building strong, competent institutions that were capable of providing for the public’s basic needs before aspiring to a liberal democratic ideal. This pragmatic approach, Mahbubani suggests, is one that Nigeria – and many other nations – could learn from.
A Dysfunctional Democracy: The Nigerian Model
The Nigerian state, despite holding elections, suffers from a basic lack of state capacity. Nigeria is, in many ways, a dysfunctional democracy. The state fails to deliver essential services to its citizens. Its security apparatus is underfunded and ineffective. Corruption is rampant at every level of government. Political leaders seem more interested in using their positions for personal enrichment rather than advancing the public good. Citizens often feel disconnected from the government, which is seen as a distant, ineffective institution.
Plato’s philosopher-king, Aristotle’s balance, and Machiavelli’s pragmatism offer relevant frameworks for understanding why Nigeria has failed to build a functioning state. The country is trapped in an endless cycle of elections and political posturing while its institutions remain weak and incapable of delivering basic services. Rather than focusing on the immediate needs of the people, the ruling elite is more concerned with securing power and resources for themselves.
The paradox, of course, is that Nigeria has all the ingredients for success. It is rich in natural resources, has a large and growing population, and occupies a critical geopolitical space. Yet, the state’s failure to function effectively means that these resources are not translating into prosperity for the majority of the population. Instead, corruption and mismanagement have ensured that the country’s wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few.
Path Forward: Building a State That Works
Nigeria’s greatest challenge lies not in its democratic structures but in its lack of functional governance. The country needs to shift its focus from the form of democracy to the substance of governance. It needs a state that works—one that can provide security, deliver public services, and create an environment where citizens can thrive. This will require more than just political will; it will require a reorientation of priorities.
In the short term, Nigeria must focus on building and strengthening its institutions – particularly those involved in security, public service delivery, and the rule of law. It must tackle corruption head-on, not just through reforms but through a fundamental shift in the political culture. As Grindle, Fukuyama, and Mahbubani suggest, the foundation of a successful state lies in its ability to deliver functional, basic services.
At the same time, Nigeria must learn from the lessons of history. Plato’s ideal state, Aristotle’s balanced polity, and Machiavelli’s pragmatic approach all remind us that power cannot be sustained without the ability to govern effectively. To truly break free from the cycle of dysfunction, Nigeria’s leaders must shift from seeking political power for its own sake to focusing on what is necessary for the public good.
