Paper short abstract:

This paper explores the leadership in Nigeria from a historical and African comparative point of view, highlighting the major issues bedeviling the structure and nature of leadership in Nigeria, as well as the implications for delivery of good governance to the Nigerian people and Africa in general

Paper long abstract:

Nigeria is dubbed the African giant, and prides itself as the 'big brother' among the African comity of states, which is evidenced in the role of Nigeria in the African Union as well as the sub-regional Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Unfortunately, leadership and governance have arguably remained some of the key challenges facing this 'giant'. This paper explores the leadership in Nigeria from a historical and African comparative point of view, highlighting the major issues bedeviling the structure and nature of leadership in Nigeria, as well as the implications for delivery of good governance to the Nigerian people particularly and the African continent in general. Also, the study investigates the process of inducting Nigeria into the globalized world, particularly in the context of regional and international politics, as well as the implications of Nigeria's globalization for development and growth within the Nigerian state.