This paper attempts to highlight the concept of dependency theory, and has put up a way forward in the concept of self-reliance. Dependency theory is a notion that the rich nations of the world totally dominates other less fortunate nations. In this write up, the explanation and meaning of self- reliance and how it can relate to national development especially in the socio- economic, political and administrative aspects were highlighted. In addition, some constraints to a self- reliant development in Nigeria were indicated. Unless a clear ideology of self- reliant development for the country is formulated and disseminated and the constraints removed, our pursuit of a “greater self-reliance” will remain illusory.