The role of good governance and development administration in national development

Abstract

Emerging trends point to good governance as a panacea towards accelerated development in economic, political and social sectors of nations. As such, states (Nigeria inclusive), wishing to realize, promote or maintain economic, political and social strides, should strive to embrace good governance. Efficient political and economic strands promote social order. The leaders and the led should embrace the good governance philosophy if development administration is to meet the underlying rationale it stands for. Both the leaders and the led have their (individual) roles to play to embrace good governance and strengthen development administration. Highly developed nations can attest to promotion of national development through the application of good governance in their development administration. The paper in an attempt to highlight the nexus between good governance and development administration, examined the concept of good governance, government, development, administration and development administration. The paper was prepared based on secondary data from library research, review of literature such as text books and journal publications. The paper points out the elements and criteria for good governance and development administration, advocating that Nigerian government and the civil society should embrace good governance if our development administration is to create the impact it desired. Good governance in development administration is showcased in government‘s ability to design, formulate and implement policies and programmes which are development oriented and committed to the improvement of the quality of life of the citizens. It is especially accepted, that to promote good governance, the civil society should be obedient to the policies or constitutional dictates expected of them. However, the government through its arms should lead while the citizens follow.

Keywords: Good Governance, Government, Administration, Development, and Development Administration