This research work examined the quality of leadership in Nigeria and its effects on the nation's International image. The theoretical framework of analysis was descriptive and analytical method. Data for the study were obtained from secondary sources which include books, articles and journals. This is also supplemented by primary sources such as speeches and lectures delivered by eminent scholars and through the web sites. It was found out that every system of government appears to have failed Nigeria; the parliamentary system also known as the Westminster model which the country inherited from her colonial master Britain, was condemned as not too good enough by the military men who thought they had all it takes to liberate Nigeria from the bad leadership chains of the first civilian republic. It was found out that these military men who ruled the country for decades proved that fraudulent acquisition of the nation's wealth was more than anything topmost in their selfish agenda. The research therefore recommends that the leadership problem must first be tackled, before Nigeria's image can be restored in the international setting. Also, there is a need for a strategic plan establishing civic, political and activist structure which will engage the entire nation in very intensive, simulating, challenging, enlightment discourse around all issues ranging from the role of religion in politics, to gender, corruption, military intervention, power and resource sharing. If the above effort is put in place, it will be possible to foresee in a short time, the rise of enlightened rulers with enlightened follower ship in Nigeria.
Keywords: Effect, Leadership, International image, Leadership and quality.