By: Sani Abdullahi Kofar-mata
Introduction
In any society, the foundation for sustainable development is not built on the temporary influence of individuals but on the establishment of strong systems. While individuals may come and go, systems endure—providing stability, consistency, and the foundation for long-term progress. Leaders, regardless of their charisma or capabilities, are human beings, fallible and transient. A system, however, remains steadfast, guiding governance through rules, structures, and processes that ensure accountability, fairness, and transparency.
Over the years, many societies, including Nigeria, have suffered from unfulfilled promises and underdevelopment due to an over-reliance on individual leaders. Weak institutions have allowed politics to become transactional—where leaders focus on rewarding those who helped them win elections, rather than prioritizing policies aimed at sustainable growth. Without systems in place, governance becomes short-term, inefficient, and prone to corruption, leaving society to stagnate rather than progress.
The Need for Systemic Governance
Effective leadership is not about individual strength or personal charisma; it is about inspiring and building systems that foster long-term development. A leader must be supported by a framework—rules, laws, and institutions—that guide decision-making and ensure accountability. Systems provide stability and continuity, even when leaders change. A leader, no matter how competent, is temporary, but systems remain, guiding the progress of society beyond individual influence.
As the saying goes, "A nation that builds strong institutions prospers; one that relies on strong individuals stagnates." In Nigeria, the repeated cycles of poor governance and corruption have largely resulted from a failure to focus on systems. When leadership depends on personal loyalty rather than institutional strength, governance becomes transactional. Leaders prioritize rewarding their supporters—those who financed their campaigns—rather than implementing policies that serve the collective good. This leads to inefficiency, underdevelopment, and the breakdown of public trust.
Effective Followership and Systemic Engagement
Effective followership is not about passive compliance or seeking short-term rewards; it is about contributing to the success of a collective vision. In strong systems, followers act as engaged participants in governance—holding leaders accountable, working together to achieve common goals, and ensuring that decisions align with the broader interest of society. A system promotes shared responsibility, where citizens engage actively in shaping policies and monitoring outcomes rather than waiting for personal favours.
However, in societies where systems are weak, followership often becomes transactional as well. Followers, instead of being motivated by shared values or long-term progress, focus on extracting personal gains. In Nigeria, this is visible in the way politics is treated as a contest for control over resources—where individuals seek immediate benefits rather than contributing to sustainable development. Leaders are forced to prioritize short-term appeasement of their supporters, leading to inefficient governance and the eventual failure of development initiatives.
As the African proverb wisely states, "If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together." This emphasizes the idea that true progress is achieved when both leaders and followers work together within a well-established system. Systems, when designed effectively, ensure that leadership and followership are aligned towards a common goal—whether it’s economic development, social progress, or the delivery of public services.
Conclusion
To build a sustainable future, Nigeria must prioritize the establishment of strong systems over individual leaders. Systems provide the necessary foundation for governance—ensuring stability, fairness, and continuity—while individual leaders come and go. Institutions, not people, are the key to long-term development. A robust system creates a framework where leaders can make decisions that are guided by rules, laws, and principles, while followership engages constructively in governance, holding leaders accountable and working towards shared progress.
Without this shift towards systemic governance, Nigeria will continue to experience cycles of ineffective leadership and underdevelopment. Only through the establishment of resilient institutions can the nation ensure that leadership remains accountable, efficient, and focused on long-term progress. Let us move beyond temporary leaders and focus on building systems that will guide sustainable development for generations to come.
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