Development as a growth process is what every person, nation and state seeks from day to day. The issues of development and better welfare are generally important to the average man and woman, especially in developing countries like Nigeria. Nigeria and other African countries need to instigate the principles and strategies that will bring about socio-political and economic development after 40 years of independence. In order to settle developmental issues effectively in the twenty-first century in Nigeria, the country needs a stable political climate and the self-reliance of the huge number of illiterate citizens, poor people, underemployed and suppressed females, and its high endemic rate of ethnic and religious intolerance needs to be addressed. This article examines some impediments to development in Nigeria over time, describes salient aspects of development processes, and recommends a development agenda that would not only benefit Nigeria, but other developing countries of the world. (Contains 1 note.)