ABSTRACT

The study examines leadership and National development in Nigeria: A case study of Benue state from 2007-2011. The study posit that, there is a nexus between leadership and national development in Nigerian generally, and Benue state in particular. The study identify corruption, mismanagement, extravancy and lack of political will as bane to development in Benue state specially during civilian administration. The research used qualitative method for data collection and analysis, which documentary resources were useful in gathering information regarding development in Benue state. The study submit as findings that, comparatively when talking about development, the military regimes perform more better than uninterrupted civilian administration. The research recommend that, there should be mechanism such as anti-corruption agencies at all of government state to check the activities of leaders, and there is need for leaders at all levels to be stable and continuity of policies to encourage investment for national development.