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Good governance makes all the difference |
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What is good governance? By 'governance' we mean the processes by which decisions are made and the ways in which what has been decided is carried out, or not carried out. Governments are the major players in governance, whether at federal or state level. But others, such as civil society organisations, tribal leaders and citizen groups, can influence governance too. In a country that has 'good governance', the country puts its resources to good use. Basic public services work well. Citizens – including the poor and marginalised – have schools, health services, in fact all the essential services they need. The rights of people "What people want and need is enough food to eat and water to drink. A roof over their heads, a job, a school for their children, and medicine and care when they are sick. The chance to live in peace, without fear of violence or war. And the opportunity to realise the potential in each and every one of us." 1 
What makes it good? Among the things that make for good governance are systems for making decisions that are open to scrutiny. The people who run these systems listen and respond to the needs of the citizens they serve, and are accountable to them. The systems work well and efficiently, and do what they are supposed to do. And all citizens benefit equitably, even the poorest and socially excluded. Why does it matter? Good governance matters because without it countries do not function well and cannot tackle poverty. Hannu Daya Baya Daukan Jinka Hausa Proverb meaning one hand cannot carry the load – people need to work together. What can governments do? To bring about good governance, governments must respect the rights of citizens. They must have sound policies for economic growth. They need to make sure that money spent on public services like health and education is used properly, and they need to manage public finances well. To do this, leaders and governments must be capable of getting things done. Secondly, public policies and institutions must be responsive to the needs of citizens and uphold their rights. And, thirdly, different sections of society must be able to scrutinise what public institutions and governments do, and hold them accountable for their actions. |
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State Partnership for Accountability, Responsiveness and Capability (SPARC) |
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What is SPARC? 
Governance initiatives that help states to function effectively – to be capable of delivering basic public services, and responsive and accountable to citizens – are key to tackling poverty. So, in 2008, the Nigerian and UK Governments decided to set up a partnership – The State Partnership for Accountability, Responsiveness and Capability (SPARC) – to build on reforms already under way. The two governments agreed to work together on two fronts: first to support governance reforms in five states (Enugu, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano and Lagos), and second to work with Federal Government agencies that support governance reform at state level. The programme started in September 2008 and will run for six years. SPARC is complemented by four other DFID programmes that provide support to help Nigeria use its resources more efficiently and effectively. SAVI (State Accountability and Voice Initiative) supports citizens in demanding better governance ESSPIN (Education Sector Support Programme in Nigeria) supports education governance PATHS2 (Partnership for Transforming Health Systems 2) supports health governance GEMS (Growth, Employment and Markets in States) supports growth. How is SPARC going to make a difference to governance? Nigeria ranks 121 out of 180 countries in the 2008 Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index2 and poverty runs at 54%3. Clearly, making the changes that will help States function effectively – bringing about good governance – is by no means an easy task. It is important to sustain the fight against corruption and promote commitment to making things better. "Effective states are central to development. They protect people's rights and provide security, economic growth and services like education and health care. Building better governance takes time and has to come from within each country, but international partners can help. This means we need to work not just with governments, but also with citizens and civil society." 4 SPARC is supporting governance reform in three main areas:
SPARC is also helping governments to monitor their work and make sure it is adding value. In a nutshell, all this means supporting people and institutions in their efforts to change. While it's necessary to strengthen skills in both government and civil society, what must also happen is to work towards giving them strong incentives to change. Contact details SPARC has six offices in Nigeria. For more information on our work contact:
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1 Hilary Benn, UK Government White Paper Eliminating poverty: Making governance work for the poor, 2006 2 2008 Corruption Perceptions Index 3 Policy Brief MDGs Needs Assessment and Financing Strategy for Nigeria November 2008 on UNDP website 4 UK Government White Paper Eliminating poverty: Making governance work for the poor 2006 |