Dependency and Governance Deficit: A Critical Review of the major causes of underdevelopment in Contemporary Nigeria

Abstract

Nigerian underdevelopment remains one of the most persistent questions in development studies. Despite its abundant natural resources, many of its states continue to experience underdevelopment in various sectors. This study examined Nigerian Dependency and governance deficit as core interconnected causes of underdevelopment in contemporary Nigeria. Specific objectives and research questions were formulated to guide the study. Qualitative data were elicited from secondary sources to guide the study, since the study is qualitative in nature. The study revealed that the major causes of underdevelopment in contemporary Nigeria among other things were its dependence on international capitalist system and governance deficit. The study therefore concludes that to overcome underdevelopment in Nigeria requires structural transformation and accountable governance as a pivotal strategy.