The search for good governance in Nigeria is premised on the need to ensure that the resources of the state are well managed and used for the welfare of all Nigerian citizens. This twork draws on the paradigms of good governance and articulates their applicability to the Nigerian political and cultural context. We attempt to justify the adoption of cultural jurisprudence for the analysis of good governance in the context of the cultural ideals of Nigerian communities. In this regard, we acknowledge the patriarchal nature of Nigerian society and the problems it engenders. This affords us the opportunity to articulate the importance of socio-cultural values, a sense of belonging and national allegiance to the state regardless of ethnic inclinations or kinship loyalty. International donors and bodies measure good governance by certain indicators that overlook the particular historical and colonial history of African countries and the challenges they face in dealing with the issues of governance. We engage a critic of good governance indicators which fails to take cognizance of the social economic peculiarities of Nigeria.