OHAZURUME - Unizik Journal of Culture and Civilization

Religion can promote good governance judging from its rich moral and ethical values, which are enshrined in virtually all religions of the world. For example, in developed democracies, religion played a significant role in entrenching their current democratic ethos of good governance. However, in Nigeria, the importance of religion in entrenching good governance is often undermined during national discourse. Therefore, using a discursive approach in analyzing data gathered through literature review and personal observation, the paper examined the nexus between religious values and good governance in Nigeria’s democratic landscape. The entire discussion is hinged on the application of Max Weber’s Protestant Ethic which conceived religious values as playing a significant role in economic success of certain Protestant groups. Drawing from this, the paper argued that religious values such as godliness and contentment, trust, selfless service, respect for human dignity, and hard work deep-rooted in the Christian Scripture can facilitate good governance in Nigeria if adequately applied. In this light, the study recommends that such religious values should be taught at various levels of Nigerian education system as a way of promoting good governance in Nigeria.

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