ISSN 2039-2117 (online) ISSN 2039-9340 (print) Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences MCSER Publishing, Rome-Italy Vol 6 No 6 S2 November 2015 275 Development and Its Challenges in Nigeria: A Theoretical Discourse Benyin Akomaye Adah 1 Ugochukwu David Abasilim 2 1 University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, Department of Political Science and Public Administration, bibianaadah@yahoo.com 2 Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria, Department of Political Science and International Relations ugochukwu.abasilim@covenantuniversity.edu.ng Doi:10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n6s2p275 Abstract Development is said to be a predictor that determines whether a country is progressing or not. A critical assessment of Nigeria’s development despite her abundance in human, natural and material resources reveals that the country is yet to achieve the desired expectations as clamored by her citizens. The objective of this study was to identify the challenges to development in Nigeria. In order to obtain data for the research, the work adopted qualitative research method through textual analysis. The findings of this study revealed that despite the country’s attempt to advance development, several challenges has posed a great threat to her progress. These setbacks range from imposition of policies on her citizens, lack of adequate human resources or capital to implement development plans/policies, corruption and lack of credible leadership among others. The paper concludes that once the identified setbacks are tackled then development will be realized in the country. Keywords: Citizen, Corruption, Development, Human Resources, Leadership Introduction 1. The personal worth of any national government is the attainment of qualitative level of development as it is a crucial aspect of any nation’s drive to self-reliance. Lawal (2011) posited that development is a vital necessity to the growth and sustentation of any vibrant nation. Thus, for development to be ensured, socio-political and economic stability must be guaranteed at all levels of government as this will promote citizens natural attachment to the governing process. In as much as development is vital to any nation’s progress, Okereke & Ekpe (2002) observed that there has been an unequal level of development in the world and this has precipitated numerous scholarly debates and postulations explaining why some countries are more developed than others. Nigeria like most African countries is highly endowed with both human and natural resources, as well as rich in cultural heritage. Various administrations in Nigeria had during the past presented and attempted comprehensive plans which were geared towards achieving development in the state. These plans encapsulated programmes that were to enhance the general welfare of the citizens and the nation at large. In fact, development and growth has been government’s top priorities since the attainment of independence. This is because development planning can be seen as the only avenue where the allocation and utilization of resources can be adequately handled (Ibietan & Ekhosuehi, 2013). According to Ogunmike (1995), the first practical plan for development in Nigeria was in 1946, having as its specific objective, fostering economic growth and improving the general welfare of its citizens. The development plan which however reflected the independent status of Nigeria was introduced in 1962 and was operational for a period of six years. The plan aimed at maintaining and improving the growth of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by depending heavily on multi-lateral aids, 50 percent of its total investment was to come from abroad. The first development plan abruptly came to an end as a result of the collapse of the first republic and the subsequent eruption of the civil war. In addition, out of the 50 percent of foreign aid which were expected, only about 14 percent were received, thus leading to the inability to achieve the identified objectives (Ogunmike, 1995). After the civil war, the second development plan was launched spanning from 1970 to 1974. The second plan for national development came at a period when Nigeria’s sale of crude oil and other products were at an increase. The plan had its priorities anchored on agriculture, industry, transportation, man power, defence, electricity, communication, water supply and provision of social services. The plan also aimed at restructuring the nation that had suffered from post war violence. The third plans for development which spanned from1975 to 1980 was considered more ambiguous as emphasis was on rural development and agriculture.