In this compelling work, Bedford Umez analyzes the fundamental problems affecting Nigeria's development, offering a new perspective for understanding and overcoming them. He begins with a critique of several long-standing explanations for these problems, which include Nigeria's colonial legacy, its corrupt leadership, and the general lack of democratic perspectives. While these have undoubtedly contributed to Nigeria's current situation, Umez persuasively argues that current development problems are fundamentally linked to the prevailing value system that ultimately structures the socioeconomic and political spheres in Nigeria. The book ends with a number of concrete policy prescriptions and provides hope that development can improve in the future. Articulate and insightful, this work is an indispensable resource for future African leaders as well as scholars interested in African history and development.
