ABSTRACT
Nigeria is the most populous and the most naturally endowed country in Africa. Yet, even with colossal petrodollars, the country still grapples with poor road networks, erratic power and water supply poor security and weak heath delivery system due to poor governance, and the virtual alienation of the private sector in public policy and implementation. Over the years, Nigeria has done little to improve governance by sufficiently utilizing the efficiency, skills, core competencies and best practices of the private sector through dialogue and Public-Private Partnership (PPP). PPP as a development strategy cannot work if effective dialogue process is not instilled, nurtured and sustained. This paper is based on the premise that neither public nor private sector can independently improve policies and practices leading to the transformation of the Nigerian economy. The paper focuses on reviewing issues related to governance, dialogue and PPP in Nigeria. The aim is to show how dialogue with the private sector could foster good governance and efficient delivery of public goods. Datafrom thefederal government and some states reveals that they are gradually embracing PPP in order to complement government efforts to provide key infrastructure. However, the process is slow and frustrating mainly due to the inability of the Business Member Organizations to pressurize the government to participate in a public policy dialogue. Again, the government lacks incentives to proactively engage the private sector and other civil society organizations in addressing key developmental issues in the country. Thus, a genuine dialogue mechanism needs to be instituted and promoted by the country’s leadership in order to help bring about sustained strategic partnerships which will, in turn, lead to improved governance, infrastructure and social services. This will also help Nigeria improve its image and create investor confidence.
