GOVERNANCE FAILURES AND LEADERSHIP CRISIS IN THE NIGER DELTA: IMPLICATIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

This study determined the impact of governance failures and leadership crisis on sustainable development in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The objectives were to assess how institutional and policy implementation failures affect sustainable development and evaluate the influence of accountability and transparency failures on sustainable development in the Niger Delta. This study adopts a descriptive survey design. The population comprises community leaders, youth representatives, women leaders, and other stakeholders directly affected by governance and leadership challenges in the Niger Delta. A total population of approximately 1,000 individuals was identified. The sample size was determined using the Taro Yamane (1967) formula at a 5% margin of error, yielding 286 respondents. The main instrument of data collection was a structured questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency, mean, and percentages) and inferential statistics. Regression analysis was employed to test the effect of governance failures, leadership crises, on sustainable development. The analyses were conducted using SPSS version 26. The results of the study revealed that institutional and policy implementation failures have a significant negative effect on sustainable development and that accountability and transparency have a significant negative influence on sustainable development in the Niger Delta. In conclusion, governance failures, particularly weak institutions, poor policy implementation, and lack of accountability, significantly hinder sustainable development in the Niger Delta. Strengthening governance frameworks and fostering accountable leadership are essential for achieving inclusive growth, stability, and environmental sustainability in the region. It was recommended among other things that the Federal Government should prioritise building transparent, accountable, and effective institutions through reforms in policy implementation, oversight mechanisms, and anti-corruption measures tailored to address the peculiar challenges of the Niger Delta