Religion Radicalism and Governance Challenges on Development in Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the correlation between governance and religious consequences on infrastructural development in Nigeria. Exclusively, examine the influence of religion on democratic governance in Nigeria and its effect on infrastructure development. The framework of the analysis is the Marxist instrumentalist theory, which is built on the radical decision-making models of economic policy formulations, and adopts qualitatively descriptive techniques and documentary approaches on data collection. The study discovered that while the restoration of democracy in Nigeria was ostensibly aimed at promoting good governance, political stability, and infrastructural development, the political gimmicks of the elites (cabals), traded the country’s equality with a lopsided faith-based policy. These are evidenced by the significant decline in infrastructure, rise in insecurity, and economic destitution. Among other things are the poor supply of social facilities, and the retarded development of human capital. To improve on the situation, the following were recommended: i) Proper orientation of the citizens on the dangers of religious politics and appointment of leaders; ii) adopting a proactive measure to ensure the proper implementation of the existing policies irrespective of the religious affinity of the government in power. Thereby, contributing to accountability in governance, equal distribution of state resources, and overall development of the country to bring reduction in insecurity instigated by religious fanatism in various regions in Nigeria.