Wukari International Studies Journal
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CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND HUMAN SECURITY: AN EVALUATION OF SHELL'S CSR INITIATIVES IN CONFLICT-AFFECTED COMMUNITIES OF RIVERS STATE
Get PDFThis study evaluates the impact of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives on human security in conflict-affected communities of Rivers State, Nigeria. The study integrates quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to assess whether CSR interventions by Shell effectively mitigate environmental degradation, economic insecurity, and social instability. This study anchored in human security theory, which emphasizes a people-centered approach to security, the study interrogates CSR’s role beyond community development projects to its impact on economic empowerment, environmental sustainability, and conflict resolution. The findings reveal that while Shell’s CSR programs provide infrastructure, education, and healthcare, they fail to address core human security concerns. Weak stakeholder engagement and governance structures limit transparency and community participation, leading to elite capture of CSR benefits. Additionally, environmental degradation persists despite Shell’s sustainability commitments, and CSR-based economic empowerment programs remain unsustainable, failing to curb youth unemployment and militancy. The study recommends restructuring CSR interventions to incorporate holistic human security strategies and strengthening regulatory frameworks to enforce corporate accountability. This research contributes to the literature by shifting the focus from corporate philanthropy to structural governance solutions. Unlike previous studies that document CSR activities, this study critically examines their effectiveness in promoting human security and highlights the need for policy-driven CSR reforms to achieve sustainable peace and development in oil-producing regions
THE ROLE OF LINGUISTIC AND CULTURAL AFFINITIES IN THE DYNAMICS OF ECOWAS AND THE AU
Get PDFLinguistic and cultural connections are crucial to the functioning of regional organizations like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU). The colonial history of Africa has resulted in a fragmented linguistic landscape, primarily influenced by English, French, and Portuguese, which serve as both unifying and divisive elements. While existing studies have focused on the effects of colonial linguistic legacies on governance, this research delves into how linguistic and cultural commonalities impact policy formulation, conflict resolution, and regional cooperation within ECOWAS and the AU. This study shifts from broad discussions of linguistic diversity to a focused analysis of how these affinities can be strategically utilized to strengthen regional integration. It recognizes both the unifying potential and the divisive aspects of linguistic and cultural factors. Using a qualitative methodology, the research examines official documents, treaties, and policy frameworks, supplemented by expert interviews for empirical insights. The findings indicate that while linguistic and cultural commonalities enhance intra-bloc solidarity, they also create institutional asymmetries that impede cross-bloc collaboration. The study identifies opportunities to leverage indigenous African languages as tools for regional unity, a perspective often neglected in previous research. By advocating for policy reforms that support multilingualism and foster intercultural dialogue, this study provides a fresh outlook on how ECOWAS and the AU can effectively navigate linguistic and cultural diversity to achieve sustainable integration and development
PEOPLE’S PERCEPTION ON THE ROLE OF THE NIGERIA’S NATIONAL ASSEMBLY IN THE IMPELEMENTATION OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS, 2015-2023
Get PDFWhile abundant literature focuses more on role of National Assembly in SDGs, this study examines people’s perceptions on the role of National Assembly in domesticating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria from 2015 – 2023. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design in which data were collected through a questionnaire administered to 200 respondents, out of which, 193 were collected from the respondents. Data collected was subjected to percentage analysis, means and standard deviation. According to the findings there are many challenges associated with the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria, which includes: lack of political will is a significant challenge in the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), inadequate financial resources pose a challenge to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), insufficient public awareness and engagement hindering the progress of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Equally, cconflicts and instability in various regions globally impede the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Hence, the study concludes that these challenges highlighted the multifaceted nature of the obstacles facing SDG achievement in the country and emphasize the need for comprehensive and coordinated efforts across sectors to overcome them. The study recommends that there is need to address conflicts and instability in various regions of Nigeria through prioritize efforts to promote peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and inclusive development to create an enabling environment for SDG implementation. Also, to encourage cross-sectoral collaboration and coordination among government agencies, civil society organizations, the private sector, and international partners to address the multifaceted challenges of SDG implementation
EXECUTIVE-LEGISLATIVE RELATIONS AND LEGISLATIVE EFFECTIVENESS OF NIGERIA’S NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, 2015-2023
Get PDFThe study examines the intricate dynamics of executive-legislative relations and its impact on legislative effectiveness, focusing on the Nigerian National Assembly during the period 2015-2023. The relationship between the executive and legislative branches is fundamental to the functioning of any democratic system, shaping policy outcomes, governance structures, and institutional stability. Through a comprehensive analysis of legislative activities, legislative outputs, and interactions between the executive and legislative arms, this research investigates how the nature of this relationship influenced the effectiveness of the legislative process during the specified time frame. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, including qualitative analysis of legislative records, policy documents, and interviews with key stakeholders, complemented by quantitative data analysis, this study explores the extent to which executive-legislative dynamics affected legislative productivity, policymaking efficiency, and the overall performance of the National Assembly. System Theory was adopted, which is one among other theories that centres on the interaction between a system and sub-system within a holistic entity as well as in the interacting sub-system that the contestations and cooperation between these arms of government attest to the struggle for the independence of these institutions. Moreover, this study delves into the factors contributing to variations in legislative effectiveness, such as political party dynamics, institutional constraints, leadership styles, and external pressures. The findings from the analysis showed that there are institutional roles prescribed for each arm of government (executive and legislature) and that over the years, the system theory has not enjoyed proper application in the Nigerian political processes. However, this study identified that the relationship between the legislature and the executive suffered excessive friction in the 8th National Assembly (2015 to 2019) than the 9th National Assembly (2019 to 2023). Stemming from the above, to enhance legislative – executive relations and legislative effectiveness, the study suggested discouraging pride and personality clashes, abiding by the dictates of the constitution, fashioning strategies for the execution of overlapping functions, amongst others as strategies to enhance executive – legislative relations and legislative effectiveness for improved national development. By examining the successes, challenges, and areas for improvement in the legislative process, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the functioning of democratic institutions and informs strategies for enhancing legislative effectiveness and promoting constructive executive-legislative cooperation in future governance endeavours
COMMUNITY WEALTH-BUILDING THROUGH GRASSROOTS MICROCREDIT IN NIGERIA
Get PDFThis study explores how grassroots microcredit programs contribute to community wealth creation in rural Nigeria, where traditional financial systems often exclude vulnerable populations. The research examines the long-term impacts of community-based lending initiatives on collective prosperity, using qualitative and quantitative data gathered from rural cooperatives and microfinance institutions between 2014 and 2023. Through analysis of cooperative records, household surveys, and institutional reports, the study reveals that participatory lending models strengthen local economies by fostering group savings, sustaining small businesses, and encouraging asset accumulation. Key findings show that when microcredit programs are rooted in community participation, they generate lasting benefits, including improved financial resilience, stronger local enterprises, and greater investment in community infrastructure. The study concludes that grassroots microfinance succeeds most when it prioritizes collective ownership over individual loans, creating a ripple effect of economic empowerment. As a key recommendation, policymakers should support community-managed lending circles with training and digital tools to expand their reach while preserving their local character
HEALTH INSURANCE AND SERVICE QUALITY: AN ANALYSIS OF NIGERIA’S NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE POLICY
Get PDFDespite the establishment of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to improve access to quality health care and reduce out-of-pocket spending, service delivery under the scheme in Nigeria’s North Central region remains suboptimal. States such as Niger and Plateau continue to experience low patient satisfaction, poor drug availability, limited medical personnel, and weak accountability. The study adopted both primary and secondary data, drawing a sample of 400 enrollees from a population of 522,434 across Benue, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau States. A total of 374 responses were analyzed using SPSS version 21. Findings revealed significant disparities in health system performance across states. Accessibility to care was highest in Benue (60.7%), Kwara (54.4%), and Nasarawa (58.1%), while Niger (24.7%) and Plateau (29.7%) lagged, largely due to infrastructural and logistical constraints. Emergency responsiveness followed a similar trend, with Nasarawa (51.8%), Kwara (49.4%), and Benue (41%) performing better than Niger (22.2%). Professionalism among healthcare providers also varied, with Nasarawa topping at 77.4% and Plateau at a low of 30.8%. Regarding infrastructure, Nasarawa (77.4%), Plateau (72.6%), and Benue (70.5%) were rated higher, while Kwara and Niger fell short. Perceptions of fairness in service distribution and comprehensiveness were strongest in Nasarawa, Benue, and Plateau. The study concluded that states like Nasarawa, Benue, and Kwara performed relatively better, while Niger and Plateau exhibited critical deficiencies. The study recommended that the NHIA, in collaboration with state governments and regulatory bodies, prioritize infrastructure investment, health worker training, community feedback systems, and improved emergency protocols. The NHIA, in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Health and regulatory bodies such as the National Health Insurance Commission (NHIC), should institutionalize a comprehensive quality monitoring system that includes regular assessments, performance benchmarking, and public reporting of service outcomes
A STUDY OF FACTORS THAT ENHANCE THE DEVELOPMENT OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP ATTRIBUTES AMONG INDIGENOUS FIRMS IN SOUTHERN ¬-EAST NIGERIA
Get PDFResearch Problem: Indigenous enterprises in Southeastern Nigeria play a vital role in economic growth, yet their entrepreneurial development is constrained by employment instability, limited technological expertise, and inadequate investment in research and development (R&D). These barriers hinder innovation, competitiveness, and sustainability.
Methods/Theory: The study was guided by human capital theory and the resource-based view. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews. Regression and correlation analyses were used to examine the relationships between employment stability, technological proficiency, investment security, and entrepreneurial outcomes.
Results: Findings revealed a strong positive correlation between employment stability and idea generation (r = 0.65). Additionally, 87.3% of respondents identified technological expertise as critical for opportunity recognition, while financial stability was shown to be a significant determinant of sustained R&D investment.
Conclusion: The study concludes that stable employment conditions, enhanced digital competencies, and consistent financial investments are vital for fostering sustainable indigenous entrepreneurship. Addressing gaps in employment and technological skills is essential to improve enterprise resilience and long-term competitiveness.
Key Contribution to Knowledge: The study contributes by integrating human capital and resource-based perspectives to demonstrate how labor stability, technological capacity, and financial security jointly influence entrepreneurial performance. It provides empirical evidence on the drivers of indigenous entrepreneurship in Southeastern Nigeria and offers actionable insights for policymakers to strengthen gender inclusivity, digital capacity, infrastructure, and investment policies for enterprise sustainability
NIGERIA’S STRATEGIC BALANCING IN THE EMERGING MULTIPOLAR WORLD: BETWEEN WESTERN ALLIANCES AND RISING ASIAN POWERS
Get PDFBackground: As the post-Cold-War unipolar moment gives way to a fluid multipolar order, middle-income states are recalibrating their alignments to preserve autonomy and optimise developmental gains. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country and its largest economy, illustrates both the promise and peril of this grand-strategic recalibration. Objective: This paper interrogates Nigeria’s contemporary foreign-policy repertoire by examining the shift from Pan-African non-alignment to today’s overlapping partnerships with Western alliances and rising Asian powers. Methods: The study applies realist, liberal-institutionalist, and constructivist lenses, employing a mixed-methods design that combines secondary literature with recent datasets on trade, investment, and arms transfers (2021–2025). Elite interviews conducted in Abuja between February and April 2025 provide additional qualitative insight. Results: Findings indicate that diversified alignments expand Nigeria’s bargaining leverage and broaden developmental options. However, persistent domestic fragility, regional insecurity, and governance weaknesses undermine its capacity to transform external partnerships into durable national power. Conclusion: Nigeria’s strategy of multipolar balancing yields tactical benefits but risks entanglement and dependency without corresponding institutional reform and economic resilience. Key Contribution to Knowledge: The paper extends debates on middle-power strategies by showing how Nigeria blends realist, liberal, and constructivist logics to navigate intensifying great-power rivalry in the global South. Recommendations: To enhance strategic coherence, Nigeria should institutionalise foreign-policy planning, deepen industrial value chains, strengthen debt transparency, and anchor regional coalition-building within ECOWAS and the African Union
THE HERDSMEN MENACE: A CRITICAL INVESTIGATION INTO THE DRIVERS AND DIMENSIONS OF INSECURITY IN NIGERIA
Get PDFResearch problem: This paper interrogates the increasing link between pastoralism and insecurity in Nigeria, reflecting a trend that is increasingly observed worldwide. Despite providing for millions of people and making a substantial contribution to the production of meat, milk, and leather, pastoralism is currently the focal point of violent confrontations, particularly between sedentary agricultural communities and nomadic Fulani herders.
Methods: Using a qualitative research approach, the study draws on existing literature, government reports, and data from non-governmental organisations to explore the complex causes of farmer–herder clashes. These include climate change, population growth, weak governance, the proliferation of small arms, and cattle rustling, which often trigger cycles of violence and retaliation.
Results: The findings show that this instability hampers humanitarian efforts, economic activities, environmental sustainability, and political stability. These impacts destabilise communities and impede Nigeria's overall development.
Conclusion: The study concludes that resolving the crisis requires a multifaceted, comprehensive strategy.
Key contribution to knowledge: The main contribution of this research is a holistic framework for policy actions that addresses the root causes of the conflict, fostering peaceful coexistence, enhancing long-term stability, and safeguarding food security for all Nigerians through integrated strategies that balance socio-economic development, conflict resolution mechanisms, and inclusive governance practices tailored to the nation’s diverse cultural and ecological contexts.
Recommendations: Suggested measures include strengthening climate change adaptation through better land and water management, promoting sustainable ranching practices, and reforming the Land Use Act to clarify land rights. Additionally, improving the capacity of security forces to act impartially, investing in grassroots conflict resolution, and reducing ethno-religious rhetoric are essential
KNOWLEDGE GAP HYPOTHESIS IN MEDIA REPORTING ON CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURE IN SELECTED RURAL COMMUNITIES IN EKITI STATE
Get PDFResearch Problem: Agriculture is the most susceptible sector to climate change especially in Sub- Saharan Africa where rainfed and small-scale farming is the most common. Such systems are not well adapted and so the farmers are vulnerable to climate change. This study examined the knowledge gap hypothesis in media reporting on climate-smart agriculture in selected rural communities in Ekiti State, Nigeria.
Methods/Theory: The study was guided by the Knowledge Gap Theory and Diffusion of Innovation Theory. The mixed method was used with survey and in-depth interviews among farmers in three selected local governments in Ekiti State.
Results: The findings revealed a moderate awareness of climate-smart agriculture among the respondents. However, the difference in the level of media usage and literacy affected the way farmers processed and received climate-smart agriculture information. It was found that radio is the most accessible means of communication but language barrier, framing of the message, and irregular broadcasts of climate-smart agriculture were some of the challenges affecting good communication.
Conclusion: The study concludes that although media plays a very critical role agricultural education, its inability to localize information about climate-smart agriculture further widens the gap between literate and less-literate farmers which widen the knowledge gap between the two classes.
Key Contribution to Knowledge: This study adds to existing knowledge on how media practices influence inequality in climate-smart agriculture awareness and adoption with respect to the nexus of communication, literacy, and agricultural adaptation in rural communities.
Recommendation: The recommends that local government agencies, NGOs, and agricultural extension workers should organize community awareness programmes through town hall meetings, market outreaches, and the use of respected local opinion leaders to demystify climate-smart agriculture practices in simple, practical ways