AMAMIHE Journal of Applied Philosophy

Nigeria continues to experience persistent governance failure despite its vast human and natural resources. This study argues that the country’s leadership crisis is fundamentally rooted in the erosion of moral responsibility. In many cases, political authority has shifted from public stewardship to private interest, thereby weakening institutional trust and democratic legitimacy. Using conceptual and analytical methods, this paper examines the philosophical foundations of moral responsibility and evaluates its relevance to leadership ethics in Nigeria. It draws on deontological ethics, virtue ethics, and theories of justice to show that moral responsibility is not optional in governance but essential for accountability, legitimacy, and sustainable development. The study further critiques the role of political opportunism, prebendalism, and cultural relativism in normalizing corruption and weakening ethical standards in public life. It concludes that meaningful governance reform requires moral reconstruction alongside institutional reform. The paper recommends ethical education, strengthened accountability mechanisms, transparent governance practices, and renewed civic engagement as practical pathways for restoring ethical leadership in Nigeria.

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