The root cause of maladministration in Nigeria is a complex issue that cannot be attributed to a single factor. However, some key factors that have contributed to the maladministration in Nigeria include:

Corruption: Corruption is a major problem in Nigeria and has been identified as one of the major reasons for maladministration. Corruption has permeated all levels of government, and it has become a way of life in the country. Many government officials and politicians use their positions to enrich themselves, and this has led to the mismanagement of public resources and the neglect of the people.

Weak institutional framework: The institutional framework in Nigeria is weak, and this has contributed to the maladministration in the country. The judiciary is not independent, and there is a lack of transparency and accountability in the government. This has led to a situation where government officials are not held accountable for their actions, and this has contributed to the culture of impunity in the country.

Lack of political will: Another factor that has contributed to maladministration in Nigeria is the lack of political will to address the problem. Many politicians are more interested in their personal interests rather than the interests of the people, and this has led to the neglect of public services and infrastructure.

Ethnic and religious divisions: Nigeria is a country that is divided along ethnic and religious lines, and this has contributed to the maladministration in the country. Politicians have used these divisions to their advantage, and this has led to the marginalization of certain groups and the neglect of their needs.

In summary, the root cause of maladministration in Nigeria is a combination of factors that include corruption, weak institutional frameworks, lack of political will, and ethnic and religious divisions. Addressing these factors will require a concerted effort by the government, civil society, and the people of Nigeria.