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By Emma Njoku
Weak institutions and poor legislative frameworks have been identified as major factors militating against Nigeria’s growth and development.
Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) flag-bearer for Eti-Osa Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly in next year’s election, Hon. John Ademola Akano, stated this in an interview with Daily Sun.
The business entrepreneur and realtor cum politician said the weaknesses of the institutions have culminated in poor enforcement of laws, corruption, abuse of power, lack of transparency and accountability, inadequate funding and poor capacity across government agencies, as well as inefficient public service delivery. He said that “when institutions are weak, citizens lose confidence in government, and national development suffers.
“Development is the process through which a country improves the economic, social, political, and technological well-being of its citizens. Sustainable development depends on strong institutions, effective governance, and a sound legislative framework that promotes justice, accountability, investment, and economic growth.
“In Nigeria, however, weak institutions and inadequate legislative frameworks have remained major obstacles to national development. These challenges have contributed to corruption, insecurity, poverty, unemployment, poor infrastructure, and slow economic growth,” he said.
Akano noted that institutions, such as the legislature, executive, judiciary, anti-corruption agencies, the police, electoral institutions, and regulatory agencies, are the structures and organisations responsible for implementing government policies, enforcing laws, and delivering public services.
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“Weak institutions make it easier for public officials to engage in corruption without facing consequences. Public funds meant for healthcare, education, roads, and infrastructure are often diverted for personal gain, reducing the quality of public services.
Government agencies often fail to provide quality healthcare, education, electricity, water supply, and transportation because of inefficiency and poor management.”
He posited that when institutions cannot enforce the law fairly, crime and injustice increase, while citizens and businesses lose confidence in the justice system, discouraging investment and economic activities.
Akano, who contested for the chairmanship of the Eti-Osa Local Government Area, Lagos State last year, said Nigeria’s electoral institutions are weak and that accounts for why our elections are always characterised by irregularities, thereby eroding public confidence in democracy and often resulting in political instability. He added that poorly equipped and ineffective security institutions contribute to terrorism, kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry, and communal conflicts.
“Insecurity discourages investment, agriculture, tourism, and business activities. Weak financial and regulatory institutions discourage domestic and foreign investment because investors prefer countries with transparent governance. Investors seek countries with clear and enforceable laws. Weak legal protections increase business risks and reduce foreign direct investments.”
He also regretted that delay in passing important economic laws has prevented the implementation of policies needed to stimulate growth, create jobs, and improve competitiveness, while poor legislation or weak enforcement allows violation of citizens’ rights, reducing social justice, and national cohesion.
