Transforming Nigeria through the Law for National Development

Abstract

The progress of a nation depends upon several factors including its people. The ultimate aspiration is the fulfillments of its hopes and aspirations.  Every citizen must of necessity take upon his duties and responsibility to the society, for in a sense, he is part of the democratic process. This prompted the rationale for the inclusion of the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by its drafters.[1] Democracy draws its strength from the Constitution and public opinion, the more well informed that opinion, the greater its strength. But the teething problem is that, government in developing countries have tended to be pre-occupied with power and its material prerequisites with scant regard for political, social and economic ideals as to how society can be organized and ruled to the best advantage of all.[1] Secondly, it does not actually mean that our laws are inadequate or unenforceable, but that the mandates given by the electorates to the operatives of the law who seek political power are not faithfully carried out. This paper seeks to examine some provisions of our current policies and laws in tackling contemporary economic and legal problems that affects national development in Nigeria. Our finding reveals that we need to rethink processes, procedures, relationships and even fundamental concepts of governance with the governed to boost national development. Generally, our national law must meet global standards in socio-economic transactions and provide a system of sustainability, ascertain ability, and good orderliness. This forms the basis for the needed transformation for national development.  The paper concludes that, the strengthening of various institutions of government through pragmatic laws and deliberate policies will stimulate the needed development.