Description

There is a discernibly wide expectation gap in the way Nigeria’s resources have been managed over time. This paper stresses the strategic importance of the human factor in the nation’s resources management. Only a responsible leadership, kept in check by a well organised and progressive workforce in a conducive environment, can be trusted with prudent use of the nation’s resources. Therefore, in the light of the “Nigerian Factor” syndrome, the imperatives of sustainable prudent management of Nigeria’s resources include an urgent need for a political will to effect robust fiscal responsibility, pragmatic public accountability, and good public governance. This will entail a Nigerian renaissance towards rebuilding basic mechanisms of democratic governance to make elected and appointed officials accountable to their constituents through free and fair elections; strong government institutions; and well-organized and informed citizens with the power to stand up to the existing elite and demand performance. Accomplishing this Herculean task is the responsibility of all Nigerians. Encouragingly, the eventual installation of a former union leader as Edo State Governor after a protracted struggle at the polls and the tribunals is a manifestation that change is possible. This should serve as an impetus to other concerned citizens and pressure groups.