Wukari International Studies Journal
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CHALLENGES MILITATING AGAINST INTERNATIONAL FUND FOR AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT (IFAD) IN IMPLEMENTING RURAL AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN NIGERIA
Full text linkThe study investigates the challenges hindering the effective implementation of International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) rural agricultural development projects in Nigeria, particularly focusing on Borno, Kano, and Jigawa States. The necessity for this study arises from the persistent issues affecting agricultural growth in these regions, despite IFAD’s financial and technical support. The objective of the study is to explore the barriers faced by IFAD in ensuring the success of its projects, with an emphasis on understanding local contextual factors. A survey method was utilized, employing both questionnaires and interviews to gather data. The questionnaire responses were analyzed using simple percentage to ensure clarity, while qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews was conducted through content analysis. The Planned Behavior Theory was adopted to frame the study, justifying its relevance in understanding how attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived control influence project implementation outcomes. The findings revealed critical challenges, including corruption, bureaucratic bottlenecks, policy inconsistency, and the exclusion of farmers in decision-making processes. Based on these findings, two key recommendations were made: enhancing transparency and accountability mechanisms to combat corruption and increasing farmers' participation in the design and execution of agricultural projects to improve their effectiveness and sustainability. This research uniquely contributes to knowledge by providing a state-specific analysis of IFAD’s implementation challenges, integrating behavioral insights into agricultural policy discussions, and offering a more practical approach than previous broad-based studies on rural development
IMPACT OF THE STATE ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE AN EXPOSITORY ANALYSIS OF ROAD, ELECTRICITY AND HEALTH
Full text linkThis study views most study on infrastructure as pertinent due to their wholistic approach and theoretical orientation towards. But this study is a particular and pragmatic approach to the nexus between state and infrastructure like road electricity and health consequently, we explores the reciprocity between the state and development of infrastructure. The research questions were (1) Has the Nigeria state provided adequate and motor able roads for its citizen, (2) Has the Nigeria state provide constant electricity supply for the teeming population, (3) To what extent has the National health policies of government provided improved the quality of health for Nigerian citizens. Our methods of data collection was documentary which enabled us to use secondary sources of data like the documentary materials.The study was predicated on the structural functional analysis or structural functionalism as a theoretical framework. We adopted content analysis as the mode of analysis. With regard to validity of the study we adopted the content or face validity method together with the use of external criteria. Our findings revealed that government has not done enough in provision of health facilities, due to bad governance it has not provide adequate road network for the populace also that there is poor power supply. We concluded that if the government is able to provide good health facilities, adequate road network and relative stable electricity supply the situation will improve. The study recommended that Government should assume a renewed commitment to the construction of motorable roads in the six geopolitical zones of the country, it should endeavor to provide electricity supply. This can be achieved by providing money to improve the national grid, finally it should through the National Health Insurance Scheme, be duty committed in terms of the provision of stable and reliable health care services
THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC: A THREAT TO HEALTH AND ECONOMIC STABILITY IN SUB- SAHARA AFRICA
Full text linkEconomic growth is mostly determined by improvements in health; nevertheless, the degree of poverty in any given nation influences how health affects economic growth. Thus, this study looked at how health affected economic growth during the coronavirus in Sub-Saharan Africa and what health was needed to mitigate the negative impact of poverty on economic growth in 20 (20) chosen Sub-Saharan African nations. The GMM analysis technique was used to assess the relationship between life expectancy, poverty incidence, and economic growth based on the endogenous growth theoretical approach. Results indicated the negative effects of the coronavirus pandemic on household welfare, unemployment, and health conditions, as well as the detrimental influence of poverty on economic growth in Nigeria. Even though government spending rose dramatically during this time in an attempt to contain the pandemic, household welfare declined and was adversely impacted by the high poverty rate. This paper suggested that the governments of Sub-Saharan nations diversify their economies to lessen the impact of the pandemic's unprecedented shock, provide sufficient relief supplies to lessen the impact of income loss on the poor and vulnerable and invest in the health sector to control infectious and pandemic diseases
ACCESSING THE IMPLICATIONS OF PENSION REFORMS ON THE WELFARE OF RETIREES IN NIGERIA
Full text linkPension reforms have been a critical aspect of economic policy. Many countries have “increased work incentives by reducing pension levels and/or by increasing the actuarial fairness of pensions. While many reforms have been implemented in Nigeria, many retirees have expressed serious concern about the inability of the reforms to address the problems of standard of living of the retirees. Therefore, the study examines the effect of pension reform on the welfare of retirees in Nigeria. The study aims to analyze the impact of increase in the minimum pension contribution into the scheme, evaluate the effect of reduction in the waiting period for accessing benefit (IPMC), investigate the influence of extension of mandatory retirement age (RWPB)), examine how upward review of penalties/sanctions of pension defaulters (URPP) impact retire welfare in Nigeria, and assess the effect of temporary retirement savings account (TRSA) on retiree welfare. Different stakeholders who benefit from government actions in Nigeria make up the population of the study while purposive sampling was used to choose 150 respondents and for analysis, the study employed ordinal logistic regression. The findings demonstrated a positive association between good governance and independent variables (IMPC, RWPB, EMRA, and TRSA), with marginal impact coefficients of 0.606, .059, 1.048, 0.30 and 0.053, and p-values of 0.000, 0.045, 0.021, and 0.033 respectively. It is concluded that the more generous the pension benefits, the higher the income in the older population may have a redistributive income impact amongst the elderly. The study recommends that government should endeavor to address all the problems hampering the successful performance of all the pension schemes in Nigeria by ensuring that the different agencies put in place to manage them ensure prompt payment of the gratuity or pension to retirees
DETERMINANTS OF STOCK MARKET DEVELOPMENT IN EMERGING ECONOMIES: EXPERIENCE FROM NIGERIA
Full text linkResearch Problem: Although stock market development is widely recognized as a driver of economic transformation, limited empirical research has thoroughly examined its key macroeconomic determinants within Nigeria over an extended period. Despite ongoing financial reforms and increasing integration into the global economy, the mechanisms through which foreign direct investment (FDI), trade openness, economic growth, and financial development influence Nigeria’s stock market remain insufficiently explored, particularly in the context of persistent structural and institutional vulnerabilities.
Methods/Theory: This study adopts the Endogenous Growth Theory and the McKinnon–Shaw Hypothesis to provide a theoretical foundation for understanding stock market behaviour in a developing economy. Annual secondary data spanning 1990 to 2024 were sourced from the World Bank. The analysis combined descriptive statistics, unit root diagnostics, Johansen cointegration, and the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) to capture both long-run equilibrium relationships and short-run adjustment dynamics among the variables.
Results: The findings indicate that FDI exerts a negative and significant long-run effect on stock market capitalisation, reflecting the predominance of foreign investment in non-market sectors and the impact of profit repatriation. In contrast, financial development and trade openness show positive and statistically significant influences, underscoring the importance of domestic financial deepening and global integration in stimulating stock market growth. Economic growth, however, demonstrates an insignificant relationship, suggesting weak linkages between macroeconomic expansion and capital market performance. Short-run results further reveal sluggish adjustment processes, with financial development imposing a contractionary effect on the stock market.
Conclusion: Stock market development in Nigeria is shaped by complex macroeconomic interactions and remains sensitive to structural challenges. While openness and financial deepening support long-term growth, the negative role of FDI and weak short-run adjustments highlight institutional gaps that constrain market performance.
Key Contribution to Knowledge: This study enriches financial economics literature by offering a robust long-term analysis of macroeconomic determinants of stock market development in Nigeria using contemporary data and advanced econometric techniques. It provides new insights into how external and domestic factors collectively shape capital market outcomes.
Recommendation: The study recommends targeted policies that redirect FDI toward productive, market-linked sectors, reinforce the capacity and governance of financial institutions, and enhance transparency within the capital market. Further comparative research across African and emerging economies is encouraged to strengthen regional financial integration and inform broader policy reforms
PEACEKEEPING MISSIONS IN AFRICA: RETROSPECTING ETHICAL DIMENSION OF NIGERIA'S PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS IN LIBERIA AND SIERRA LEONE, 1990-2002
Full text linkBetween 1990 and 2002, Nigeria was crucial in regional peacekeeping missions in Sierra Leone and Liberia, primarily to restore peace and stability in these two countries. There have been ethical questions regarding official engagements by the Nigerian peacekeeping personnel. There were cases of negation of rules of engagement, as well as involvement of the peacekeepers in illegal and corrupt practices. Although there have been studies on Nigeria’s peacekeeping operations in Africa, ethical dimension of Nigeria’s peacekeeping missions in the two countries has not been given adequate attention. Hence, this study examined sexual exploitation and human right abuses as two critical ethical issues involving Nigeria’s peacekeeping troops in Sierra Leone and Liberia. The study employed qualitative-descriptive design and purposive sampling technique where 7 interviewees were selected to participate in a semi-structured interview. The responses of the interviewees were subjected to thematic and content analyses. Secondary data were gathered through review of books, journal articles, archival materials, official reports. Professional Ethics Theory was adopted as a theoretical framework of analysis. According to the findings, there were documented evidences of human rights violations which include: sexual exploitations, extrajudicial killings and abuses against civilians. These situations brought up moral and ethical questions regarding official military engagement and behavioural patterns of the Nigerian peacekeeper in two countries under investigation and Africa in general. The study therefore concluded that Nigeria played a key role in ending the internal conflicts in the two countries but issues revolving around ethical considerations raised major concerns. The study recommended that Nigeria improves on the training of peacekeepers on international humanitarian law. Peacekeeping missions should prioritize ethical considerations to ensure that peacekeeping operations by the Nigerian troops are carried out in line with globally acceptable standards
SEPARATIST MOVEMENT AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN NORTH-EAST NIGERIA: EVIDENCE FROM BORNO, YOBE AND ADAMAWA STATES (2009 – 2024)
Full text linkResearch Problem: Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States in the Northeast, Nigeria have been marred by protracted conflicts and separatist aspirations, primarily driven by Boko Haram (BH). This movement has not only posed severe security challenges but has also significantly hindered the region's progress in terms of socio-economic development.
Method/Theory: This study was anchored on the Relative Deprivation theory and the Failed State Theory. A survey research design was adopted to stimulate the needed information directly from the target respondents. The population comprises stakeholders in the selected states, including members of the local communities, government and private sector employees, members of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), government agency representatives, and members of separatist groups. Based on the Krejcie and Morgan formula, a sample size of 384 stakeholders was used. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: The study findings reveal that the insurgency of BH has a significant impact on the agricultural activities (R = 0.675; p< 0.00). Likewise, the activities of the BH insurgency have a significant effect on Human capital development (HCD) (R = 0.543; p< 0.001).
Conclusion: It was affirmed that addressing the challenges posed by separatist movements requires more than militarised interventions. It was observed that beyond the immediate destruction of infrastructure, the protracted conflict has disrupted agricultural output and education.
Key Contributions and Recommendations: The study contributed to the knowledge and therefore recommends that various security operations should be complemented with agricultural recovery programmes, secure educational facilities to address both the symptoms and root causes of instability in these states
RELIGION, CULTURE, AND THE QUEST FOR EQUITY: CONFRONTING GENDER AND ECONOMIC INSTABILITY IN OGUN STATE, NIGERIA
Full text linkResearch Problem: Women are vital to societal progress and reforms. Nevertheless, gender inequality and economic instability impact them in Ogun State, Nigeria, despite their significant contributions to the State' s development.
Methods/Theory: The study used descriptive and qualitative methods guided by Akanle's (2014) theory on religion, sociology, and economic development in Nigeria. It drew insights from Nigerian gender studies, with analysis informed by Aina (2012) and Makama (2013) on gender issues and culture. Literature, policy documents, reports, and historical records examined how religious and cultural practices impact women's socio-economic opportunities in Ogun State. Data collection involved observations and secondary sources like the National Bureau of Statistics, World Bank, journals, texts, policy reports, government publications, and online databases.
Results: The findings indicate that religion and cultural traditions in Ogun State have reinforced patriarchal systems that limit women' s access to education, property, formal employment, and economic independence, thereby impeding their social and familial roles. The results suggest potential avenues for fostering positive change through the progressive adoption of gender- supportive initiatives.
Conclusion: Addressing gender- based social and economic disparities in Ogun State necessitates coordinated efforts across social, religious, and economic sectors.
Key Contribution to Knowledge: Ogun State seeks to accelerate economic and social development by ensuring that religion and culture support gender equity and women' s empowerment, thereby fostering growth within the State. This approach will benefit society, the economy, families, and human capital development.
Recommendations: Implement key initiatives to promote gender equality, such as reorienting traditions, recognising women's economic contributions, interpreting religious texts gender-sensitively, reforming discriminatory norms, adopting inclusive economic policies, and launching targeted empowerment programs. These steps are vital for reducing inequalities and fostering sustainable development
TRADE OPENNESS, ENERGY DEMAND, AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTH AFRICA: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM SOUTH AFRICA USING ARDL AND NARDL MODELS
Full text linkThis study investigates the dynamic relationships between CO₂ emissions, economic growth, energy consumption, trade openness, and renewable energy adoption in South Africa over the period 1990–2023. Employing Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) and Nonlinear ARDL (NARDL) techniques, the analysis confirms a long-run cointegration relationship among these variables and validates the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis. The findings reveal that economic growth initially exacerbates CO₂ emissions, but beyond a certain threshold, further growth contributes to environmental improvements. Energy consumption positively influences emissions, with asymmetric effects indicating a stronger impact of increases relative to decreases in energy use. Conversely, renewable energy consumption significantly reduces emissions in both the short and long term. Trade openness is found to contribute to emission growth, underscoring the need for environmentally conscious trade policies. Robustness checks confirm the stability and validity of the models. The results highlight the critical importance of integrated policies that promote clean energy transition, sustainable trade, and green growth to achieve South Africa’s climate and development objectives
GOVERNANCE MECHANISMS AND RISK MANAGEMENT AS DETERMINANTS OF FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY IN MICROFINANCE OF EMERGING ECONOMIES: EVIDENCE FROM NIGERIAN MICROFINANCE INSTITUTION
Full text linkMicrofinance institutions (MFIs) have come to be seen as a pillar in financial inclusion and poverty reduction in the developing economies, especially in the sub-Saharan Africa. This paper examines the role of governance and risk management towards financial performance and sustainability of MFIs in Nigeria. Based on secondary panel data and regression estimates, the findings show that risk managers, risk committees, and full fledged governance systems are key to increasing both a return on assets (ROA) and operational self-sufficiency (OSS). Nevertheless, the quality of loan portfolios has a negative correlation with financial results, which highlights the long-term credit risk issues. The stability of the findings is proved by sensitivity and robustness analyses, whereas, post-estimation diagnostics demonstrate that the models are well-specified and have no econometric issues. The paper emphasizes the roles of integrated governance reforms, capacity building and adoption of innovative credit risk management tools in promoting institutional resilience. It concludes that good governance is a strategic value added in ensuring sustainable financial inclusion in the emerging markets