Good Governance in Nigeria: Rethinking Accountability and Transparency in the Twenty-First Century

Portia Roelofs' book "The Lagos Model: Social Embedded Good Governance in Nigeria" challenges the notion of African political systems being pathologically dysfunctional and offers a new account of good governance through the rise of the Lagos Model.

Format: Hardback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 20 April 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Drawing on extensive original fieldwork in Nigeria, Portia Roelofs presents a groundbreaking re-conceptualization of good governance. Contributing to ongoing discussions surrounding technocracy, populism, and the resilience of democracy amidst socio-economic disparities and mistrust, Roelofs offers a fresh perspective on the responsibilities of leaders in ensuring accountability and transparency. At the heart of this book lies the rise of the Lagos Model in the Yoruba south-west, which juxtaposes the voices of roadside traders and small-time market leaders alongside those of local government officials, political godfathers, and technocrats. By doing so, Roelofs theorizes socially embedded good governance, highlighting the importance of fieldwork in political theory and the potential for decolonizing the study of politics. Challenging the longstanding assumptions of international institutions such as the World Bank, Roelofs showcases that Nigeria possesses valuable insights into effective governance practices. This book serves as a testament to the transformative power of empirical research and its ability to challenge prevailing narratives and promote a more inclusive and equitable understanding of political systems worldwide.

Weight: 664g
Dimension: 158 x 237 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009235426