DEFINING VALUE-BASED LEADERSHIP
LEADERSHIP is often viewed as the compass that guides a nation or organization towards its ultimate destination. However, the quality of leadership matters. Value-based leadership is a model rooted in the ethical foundation of a leader, where integrity, service, and accountability are paramount. Value-based leadership is defined by the guiding principles that drive a leader’s actions and decisions. This model resonates deeply with the principles of Ubuntu, a traditional African philosophy that emphasizes humanity, interconnectedness, and collective well-being.
Key Attributes of Value-Based Leadership
Value-based leadership must encompass vision, service, integrity, and moral courage. These elements form the bedrock of a leader’s ability to inspire, transform, and create lasting impact.
THE RELEVANCE OF VALUE-BASED LEADERSHIP IN THE 21ST CENTURY
The 21st century has been marked by growing political instability, social inequality, and environmental crises. In recent years, the global landscape of leadership has shifted dramatically. The traditional models of top-down, hierarchical leadership have increasingly been called into question, as both organizations and governments struggle to maintain public trust and accountability. The 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer, a global survey measuring trust across institutions, revealed trust in government institutions declined by 12% globally in 2023, with Nigeria reflecting even higher distrust levels, as over 78% of Nigerians expressed concerns over government integrity and transparency.
This necessitates value-based leadership which is necessary for addressing contemporary global and African challenges, especially in nations like Nigeria, where governance issues, corruption, and inequality persist.
LEADERSHIP LANDSCAPE IN NIGERIA
A Brief History of Leadership in Nigeria: 1960 to Present
When Nigeria gained independence from Britain in 1960, the country was an emblem of promise, with a fast-growing economy and optimism about its future under leaders like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Nigeria’s first president, and Tafawa Balewa, the first prime minister. However, things soon took a turn. The country plunged into political instability, with a series of military coups beginning in 1966, each promising to restore order but leading to decades of military rule. Leadership during this period oscillated between civilian and military regimes, many of which were marked by corruption, human rights abuses, and economic mismanagement. By the time democracy was reinstated in 1999, after decades of military dictatorship, the wounds of misgovernance were deep, and the road to recovery was and still is long.
Leadership in 2024: Same Challenges, New Realities
A key issue at the heart of Nigeria’s leadership crisis is the erosion of ethical standards in both the public and private sectors. One of the most persistent features of Nigerian leadership is the culture of “chop I chop”, an idiomatic expression that refers to the pervasive practice of political patronage and corruption. In this system, leaders distribute favours to loyal supporters in exchange for political backing, while the needs of the broader population are often ignored. Similarly, there is a rise in “godfatherism”, a system where powerful political figures (or “godfathers”) control and manipulate the political process by installing loyal protégés in office. This has weakened accountability and undermined the democratic process.
This patronage system has created a vicious cycle of leadership failures. As a result, public trust in leadership has eroded. According to the Afrobarometer 2023 report, 74% of Nigerians expressed little to no trust in their government’s ability to act in the public’s best interest.
Moreover, the lack of accountability in Nigeria’s leadership has bred a culture of impunity. Leaders who engage in corrupt practices are rarely held to account, and even when they are, the penalties are often minimal. This has created a situation where corruption is not only tolerated but, in many cases, expected.
While Nigeria’s leadership challenges remain deeply entrenched, new realities have emerged as there is a palpable sense of urgency for new leadership. The #EndSARS protests of 2020, which began as a movement against police brutality, evolved into a broader demand for systemic change and better governance. Nigerian youths are increasingly demanding accountability, transparency, and leadership that puts the people first. Technology and social media have also given young Nigerians a platform to mobilize, organize, and hold leaders accountable.
THE NEED FOR VALUE-BASED LEADERSHIP IN NIGERIA
The path forward for Nigerian leadership must be one of transformation from “come and chop” to “come and serve”. Thus, the need for value-based leadership has never been more pressing. But why is value-based leadership so critical to Nigeria’s progress? The answer lies in the very fabric of the nation’s socio-political landscape, which has been frayed by decades of mismanagement, corruption, and self-serving governance.
According to Transparency International’s 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index, Nigeria ranked 145th out of 180 countries, emphasizing the endemic corruption that continues to undermine the nation’s progress. Take healthcare, for instance. Nigeria, despite its wealth, spends a mere 4.6% of its GDP on healthcare, according to Nairametrics. This underinvestment, compounded by corruption, has led to a healthcare system that is woefully inadequate. As of 2024, Nigeria has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, with 917 deaths per 100,000 live births. In a country where public officials often travel abroad for their medical needs, the lack of investment in domestic healthcare speaks volumes about the priorities of the leadership class.
According to a 2024 report by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), an independent think tank, 80% of Nigeria’s wealth is controlled by 20% of the population, highlighting the stark income inequality that pervades the country. Given these statistics, it is no wonder that 2023, the World Bank reported that over 40% of Nigeria’s population approximately 83 million people live below the poverty line. This is not just an economic problem; it is a direct consequence of leadership that has failed to address the root causes of inequality.
The educational system is another victim of value-deficient leadership. Nigeria’s literacy rate hovers around 62%, and the country’s educational institutions, particularly at the tertiary level, are frequently disrupted by strikes and underfunding. Education is the foundation of any thriving society, and without investment in the next generation, Nigeria risks perpetuating a cycle of poverty, ignorance, and underdevelopment.
INTEGRATING VALUE-BASED LEADERSHIP INTO NIGERIAN AND AFRICAN INSTITUTIONS
The leadership challenges that Nigeria faces, such as corruption, inequality, governance failures, and underdevelopment are not unique to the country but are reflective of a broader crisis that affects many African nations. The integration of value-based leadership into Nigerian institutions, and by extension, African institutions, is thus critical to the continent.
Challenges of Implementing Value-Based Leadership Across Africa
Africa is a continent of 54 diverse nations, each with its own unique cultural, political, and historical context. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to leadership issues, value-based leadership offers a universal framework that can be adapted to suit the needs of each country.
- Corruption
At the core of Africa’s leadership challenges is corruption, a persistent problem that has hindered development for decades. This is particularly evident in countries like Nigeria, where $20 billion oil revenue scandal that rocked the country in 2014. Also, South Africa’ state capture under Jacob Zuma reflected high-level corruption, as there was undue influence of private business interests, specifically the Gupta family, over government decisions. This significantly damaged South Africa’s economy.
- Political Instability and Authoritarianism: A Barrier to Ethical Leadership
Another significant challenge to value-based leadership in Africa is the prevalence of political instability and authoritarian regimes. In many African countries, democratic processes are undermined by leaders who cling to power through authoritarian means, stifling dissent, and undermining the rule of law. This often leads to political crises, civil unrest, and coups. An example in this regard is Zimbabwe, whose leader, Robert Mugabe, who ruled for 37 years, consolidated power through a combination of political repression, economic mismanagement, and cronyism. His policies led to widespread food shortages, hyperinflation, and economic collapse. Additionally, countries like Niger and Sudan, experienced coups or attempted coups, in 2023 alone, signaling the fragility of political systems across the continent.
- Ethnic and Tribal Divisions: Impediments to Unity and Inclusive Leadership
In many African countries, leadership is further complicated by ethnic and tribal divisions, which can fuel conflict and undermine national unity. Kenya is a prime example of how ethnic divisions can be weaponized politically. Since independence, Kenya’s politics have been heavily influenced by ethnic allegiances. This sparked the 2007–2008 post-election violence, in which more than 1,100 people were killed and 600,000 displaced. Although the situation has improved somewhat in recent years, ethnic tensions continue to influence Kenyan politics.
South Sudan is another illustration of how ethnic divisions can thwart value-based leadership. In 2013, it was torn by a brutal civil war, stemming from longstanding ethnic rivalries between the Dinka and Nuer communities. The war which left 400,000 dead and displaced millions.
- Weak Institutions and Lack of Accountability: A Systemic Issue
Many African nations struggle with weak institutions that lack the capacity to hold leaders accountable for their actions. In Guinea, weak institutions have allowed leaders to manipulate the constitution for their benefit, undermining democratic norms. This is reflective of President Alpha Condé’s actions in 2020. He pushed through a controversial constitutional change that allowed him to run for a third term, despite widespread protests. Although he was eventually deposed in a coup in 2021, the damage done to Guinea’s institutions will take years to repair.
Without effective checks and balances, leaders can subvert the democratic process to remain in power, often at the expense of the people.
WAY FORWARD: A BLUEPRINT FOR EMBEDDING VALUE-BASED LEADERSHIP IN AFRICA
…TO BE CONTINUED
