POLITICAL PARTIES, PRESSURE GROUPS, CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATION AND GOOD GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA’S FOURTH REPUBLIC, 2015 – 2023

ABSTRACT This study examined the impact of informal institutions on good governance in Nigeria from 2015-2023. Governance is the process by which a nation's executive branch creates policies and monitors their execution. Governance manages social and economic resources to empower people and promote human development (Mankins & Rogers, 2010; Sisulu, 2012). According to a 2012 World Bank report, effective governance in Nigeria is a major problem since it affects sustainable development. In the work, much emphasis is placed on how political parties, Pressure groups, traditional rulers, ethnic groups and cultural norms affects governance. This research exposes how these informal institutions support or undermine good governance. However, a comprehensive analysis of the policies enacted by government institutions, their impact on governance, the role of informal institutions in perpetuating or mitigating corruption, and the influence of civil society and media on government accountability and transparency is lacking. Thus, this research aims to address these gaps by investigating the policies implemented by government institutions in Nigeria during the specified period and their implications for good governance. A qualitative survey design and a historical descriptive survey tools was used for analysis of data. The study adopted the institutional theory as the theoretical framework. This study made use of secondary data derived mainly from reports, media commentaries, textbooks, journal articles, etc. The findings highlight both the synergies and tensions between informal institutions and formal governance structures, underscoring the need for an understanding of their interplay. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on good governance in Nigeria, offering insights for policymakers, scholars, and practitioners seeking to harness the potential of informal institutions in fostering inclusive and effective governance. The study recommended that the Nigerian governments should enhance the rule of law, ensuring that institutions and processes operate within the boundaries of the law. This will help in building trust and confidence in democratic institutions.