Relevance of the Social Contract Theory to the Nigerian System of Government

The main thrust of the social contract theory is that the government exists at the behest of the citizens to protect, and to promote the well-being of, the people. This study examines the relevance of the social contract theory to the Nigerian system of government. The term “social contract theory” is defined; the views of the trio of Thomas Hobbes, John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau on the social contract theory are presented; the relevance of the social contract theory to the current political system in Nigeria is explained using the provisions of the 1999 constitution – which counts as the country’s social contract; and the criticism of the social contract theory are also examined. The study relies mainly on secondary sources of data. The study observes that Nigerians and the Nigerian government are often found wanting when it comes to adhering to the dictates of the social contract, as contained in the 1999 constitution, and, therefore, submits that with a change in attitude on the part of both the governed and the governors, the social, economic and political situation in the country will improve for the better. 

Keywords:

Social contract theory, government, constitution, political system