Nigeria ranked third-worst nation in new global good governance index

The inaugural Chandler Good Government Index (CGGI) which classifies countries in terms of government capabilities and outcomes, has ranked Nigeria 102nd out of 104 countries captured

The 2021 report released on Monday, April 26, noted that the ability to handle corruption properly is the strongest indicator of good governance.

The report ranked Nigeria very low in governance, leadership, and foresight, scoring the country 102 out of 104 countries with a score of 0.319 points, ahead of Zimbabwe and Venezuela.

The data is aggregated to produce a score on a scale of 0 (lowest) to 1 (highest), and Nigeria scored 0.319 points.

Finland topped the list with 0.848 points ahead of Switzerland and Singapore. The only countries behind Nigeria were Zimbabwe and Venezuela, while Mauritius, with an Index score of 0.5670 and at number 38 on the log, was Africa’s best performer.

The CGGI taps over 50 publicly available global data sources such as the World Trade Organisation, United Nations and World Bank.

It focuses on seven pillars: leadership and foresight; robust laws and policies; strong institutions; financial stewardship; attractive marketplace; global influence and reputation; and helping people rise.

The report noted that countries that have done well under this pillar are all market economies with sound property rights and stable business regulations.

It added that the ability to effectively tackle corruption is the indicator with the strongest correlation with overall good government rankings.

“The governance competition is the most important contest in the world today; it is the deciding factor in whether nations prosper,” Richard Chandler, founder of the organisation, said.

“Well-governed countries attract capital and talent, which enable marketplace innovation, leading to strong companies and vibrant economies. This, in turn, enables greater investment in public services, creating a virtuous cycle.

“Launching the inaugural Index in the middle of a global pandemic has reinforced the positive impact of good governance, as well as the dangerous consequences of weak government. Lessons must be learned, and urgently, as governments tackle the critical challenges to the sustainability of our planet and well-being of our communities, while building strong and prosperous nations. ”

The CGGI is released by the Chandler Institute of Governance which is a private non-profit organization headquartered in Singapore. Its objective is to support government leaders and public officers worldwide in nation building and strengthening public institutional capacity through training, research and advisory work.