Effective Leadership: Panacea to Africa’s Economic Growth and Sustainable Development

Abstract

This paper looks at the possibilities that effective leadership in Nigeria and the whole of Africa can bring about sustainable growth and development to the continent. The Africa continent is faced with developmental and leadership problems that retards economic growth and development. The economic growth and development in the country has over the years been given less attention by political leaders in Nigeria. Albeit, several governments have embarked on various policies toward redressing these acute problems; there seems to be no clear direction and strategic focus in dealing with the root causes, which in some cases are being occasioned by political, tribal and religious differences. We have been daunted with issues–ranging from ineffective leadership, poor economic policies, religious bigotry, poor infrastructures and maintenance, poverty, illiteracy, high mortality rate, low standard of living, insecurity, decaying health sector, mismanagement of the nation’s natural resources, internal conflicts, terrorism, poor funding of educational sector, etc. In analysing the economic growth and sustainable development of the country, the author notes that economic, infrastructure mismanagement, and political instability are major features/problems confronting many African societies today. This paper, however offers a balanced approach to the role of the leaders in building and improving Nigeria’s economy, which of course, is a major player in Africa continent. The author concludes that these fundamental but serious economic and developmental issues would be averted and/ or curtail if proactive and transformational leadership styles be implemented by our leaders in this 21^st century.