NIGERIA'S TRANSFORMATION AGENDA: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF ECONOMIC REFORMS AND DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGES

On his election as the third democratically elected President of Nigeria in 2011, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan rolled out his transformation agenda. The word ‘Transformation’ means a complete change from the status quo ante adopted by the past leaders that had negative approach to national development efforts. One of the main challenges to government is to find a way to diversify its income generating potentials rather than depending on mono oil dominated economy; develop the local economy on international best practices; transform a passive oil industry to a more pro-active one, explore the possibility of restructuring the country along the lines of a more centralized federalism (via the National Conference). There also exists management and leadership challenges; building an efficient and effective polity, contending with youths’ restiveness arising from unemployment after graduation; inspiring a shared vision; reshaping a corrupt polity; building character and integrity in our leaders, inspiring patriotism and commitment in the citizenry.