Appropriating christian ethical values in enhancing sustainable development in Nigeria

Abstract

Nigeria society today is bedeviled with problems of bribery and corruption, embezzlement of public fund, insecurity, nepotism, favouritism, kidnapping and so on which has over the years made developmental efforts of government a mirage. On this issue, many researches have been carried out in order to find a lasting solution to these seemingly insurmountable Problems. Many programmes, strategies implemented by government, its agencies and commissions to bring the Problems under control such as Ethical Revolution (ER), National Rebirth (NR), Rebranding Nigeria Campaign (RNC), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) and so on have not been able to nail the problems in the bud. However, an area which seems to have been largely ignored and which is responsible for the inability is the absence of Christian ethical values in the entire discourse. That is, the neglect of Christian ethical values of transparency, social justice, honesty and love among those in the corridors of power in the country on one hand and the followers on the other hand. This paper therefore, examined the Christian ethical values that are closely related to sustainable development, its meaning and how the values can be used to engender sustainable development in Nigeria. We also offered recommendations for stakeholders; the political leaders and the followers alike on the need to make Christian ethical values of transparency, social justice, honesty and love their watchwords in both their private and public dealings.