Exploring Social Governance Principles for Nigeria’s Sustainable Development

Every nation develops according to its unique governance model, shaped by its history, culture, and values.

The United States of America, for instance, flourishes under democratic and capitalist ideologies, which have proven highly effective.

In contrast, the United Kingdom’s constitutional monarchy blended with a parliamentary system has stood the test of time.

Meanwhile, the People’s Republic of China has pioneered the Social governance model, achieving remarkable industrial development and social cohesion .

These three governance models serve as inspirations for many African countries seeking to accelerate their development.

However, it’s crucial to recognize that each nation’s path is distinct and influenced by its specific context.

Effective governance is often tied to factors like economic growth, human development, and inequality reduction.

Nigeria in particular has tried the British style governance model between 1960 to 1966 unsuccessfully. It also witnessed several years of military dictatorship in its checked history, infact the longest experience ever.

It has since been abandoned for the present American style of democracy mixed with capitalism.

Hence, after several unsuccessful attempts at different governance models, the time may be right to try another, may be the Chinese social governance principles.

It emphasizes social welfare for people, social order, equal opportunities, unity of purpose, infrastructural development and cultural integration among others.

The Chinese social governance thought according to Professor Hu Meixin, the Dean college of foreign Languages, Zheijang Normal University, China is anchored on the principles of the Chinese founding philosopher and great teacher Confucius.

They are embedded in the Chinese famous Book of change which prescribes modesty, an attribute of the Chinese precious stone “Jade” and “water” for leaders.

These leadership attributes makes leaders selfless, putting their followers ahead of them in terms of decisions and policies, national interest against personal interest, social cohesion, peace as well as regional and global integration.

Essentially, the China’s social governance principles, as outlined in the country’s 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), has translated into some key Economic Benefits such as Increased investment and economic growth through improved business environment, Enhanced innovation and competitiveness, Reduced poverty and income inequality, Improved human capital development.

On the Social front, it has brought about Improved social cohesion and harmony, Enhanced public services and social welfare, Better education and healthcare, Increased civic engagement and participation.

Politically, the social governance principles has led to the Consolidation of the Communist Party of China’s (CPC) leadership, Enhanced national unity and stability, Improved governance capacity and efficiency, Increased international influence and soft power among others.

Unlike in many African countries, particularly Nigeria, insecurity and social unrest is no longer a governance agenda in China, paving way for Seamless implementation of technological driven development Agenda.

Be that as it may, incase Nigeria does not seem to fancy socialist principles because it does not reflect it’s national ideals, there is still a wide room for the innovation of a local home grown governance model that serves development purposes.

To achieve this lofty dreams, we must see leadership as a call to service, prioritizing living behind positive legacies rather than primitive quest for power and material resources.

If we truly desire to witness real change in line with the Chinese Book of Changes, the time to begin is now.