DEMOCRACY, GOOD GOVERNANCE AND SERVICE DELIVERY IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The principles of democratic governance and social responsibility require that the legitimacy of an elected representative given by popular mandate, should translate into effective representation of the hope and aspiration of the citizenry to guarantee decent living standard in terms of effective service delivery. In this regards, policy documents on economic empowerment were
produced to guarantee good governance and ensure the fulfilment of electoral promises made to the people during campaigns. In the light of the above, this paper interrogates the doctrines of democratic governance and service delivery as essential elements in Nigeria's political trajectory. It considers the structure of governance and the imperatives of reforms in the realization of the set objectives of government business to engender efficiency. The paper posits that campaign promises in many democracies especially in developing countries like Nigeria are less-binding on political leaders who emerge victorious after elections. There is therefore the need to develop and operationalize the vital ingredients of governance that can enhance effective service delivery including: decentralization, popular participation, responsiveness, accountability and transparency. The study concludes by advocating the institutionalization of a systematic process of good governance control, which focuses on goal achievement and accountability to secure greater efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery. In terms of methodology, secondary data were explored for the analysis of this paper based on the case study.