Gusau International Journal of Management and Social Sciences
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Casualization and Employee’s Job Attitudes in the Financial Sector
Full text linkThere has been a rise in the number of temporary jobs available in Nigeria, which has had a negative impact on worker productivity. It is becoming increasingly difficult to absorb workers into benefit programmes like social protection systems, and even if they are, the benefits that are made accessible to them are pitiful, due to the prevalence of casualization. The purpose of this research was to analyze the effect of casualization on GTCO employees' job attitudes. This study adopted descriptive research design. The target population of study comprised of Ten thousand and ten GTCO temporary and casual employees. Three hundred and eighty-four (384) temporary and casual employees were chosen with the help of purposive and snowball sampling techniques as the sample size. The hypotheses were tested using Pearson Correlation, and the data were analyzed using frequency and descriptive statistics. The results showed that workers' job commitment was lower when they were employed on a contract basis, that they were less satisfied when they were employed for a shorter period of time, and that they were more likely to leave their current job if they were on a temporary contract. The study concluded, among other things, that businesses should work toward making it easier for workers to transition from temporary to permanent positions following the legally mandated six (6) month trial term
Governance and Economic Growth in Selected Sub-Saharan African Countries
Full text linkThe variation in economic growth among nations has brought the issue of economic growth to the forefront. Growth in an economy is key for economic development. When "the country's total earnings increase", its population benefits. Economic growth is significant because it promote the competitiveness of any nation. One of the most striking challenges of economic growth in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries is poor governance, decline in the living conditions of the population, with the specter of widespread hunger plaguing people's perceptions. The objective of the study is to examine the effect of governance on economic growth in the selected Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. The technique adopted for this study is the Panel Corrected Standard Error Method. This method was employed because it controls for heteroscedasticity. The result shows that there exist a direct relationship between control of corruption, voice and accountability, political stability and absence of violence on real gross domestic product in SSA respectively, while regulatory quality and government effectiveness has a negative effect on real gross domestic product (RGDP) respectively. The study recommends that SSA government as well as stakeholders in the region needs to improve the quality of their regulations and also endeavor to improve on their effectiveness and efficiency
Volunteering in the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria
Full text linkThe emerging issues of governance as well as unforeseen circumstances such as COVID-19 pandemic, Ebola and violent crimes have exposed the inadequacies of state bureaucracy to initiate and execute programmes and projects that will bring about national development. This suggests the place of volunteering in national or global development agenda such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Volunteering represents a critical and vibrant system of the society that drives development using the bottom-top approach. This study therefore seeks to advance the understanding of volunteering in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria. The paper draws on literature-based analytical historical perspective using secondary data. The findings of the study revealed that volunteering has significantly impacted on SDGs in Nigeria specifically in the aspects of good health, gender equality, economic growth and quality education with the exception of climate action. Challenges of volunteering in Nigeria are also unpacked in the paper together with the establishment and functions of Nigerian National Volunteer Service. The implication of the above is that volunteering is sacrosanct in achieving SDGs in Nigeria. Therefore, the paper recommends that: there is need for volunteering system to be strengthened in Nigeria in order to enable it performs optimally. This requires review of volunteering policy together with the functions of Nigerian National Volunteer Service (NNVS) for better performance; volunteer organization should do better in climate resilience by way of sensitizing the citizens on climate resilience mechanisms rather than proving succor after the occurrence of climate incident; and government in conjunction with volunteer organizations and other relevant stakeholders should decentralize security governance for conducive atmosphere to enable volunteers carry out their duties without fear of being attacked etc
Does Independent Directors Influence Dividend Pay-out?
Full text linkDividend is one of the major factors considered by investors /shareholders in their investment decision, however, dividend decision being a sole responsibility of the board would be influenced by the nature of independence of the board. This study aims to evaluate how the independence of bank boards affects dividend payout decisions with reference to listed deposit money banks in Nigeria. The study extracted secondary data from annual reports and accounts of listed DMBs for a period of 10 years (2012 – 2021) relating to the dependent (Dividend payout ratio) and explanatory variable (outside directors). We analysed the data using descriptive statistics, correlation and GLS regression analyses. The result indicates that independent directors adversely influence dividend pay-out out to shareholders by -81%. This means that outside directors on banks board are strongly oppose to paying dividend supporting the substitution hypothesis, which posits that dividends substitute for independent directors on the board. This evidence implies that shareholders of DMBs that are more interested in dividend income can influence the chances of dividend payment by lowering the number of independent directors in the board. Hence, these findings underscore the need for policy revisions regarding board composition to balance director independence with shareholder dividend preferences
Outcomes of Teenage Pregnancy in Selected Rural Communities of Akwa Ibom State
Full text linkTeenage pregnancy is becoming rampant in the rural communities of Akwa Ibom State. From observation, most adolescent girls are becoming pregnant and are dropping out of school to become young mothers. Interrogation by the researchers revealed that a lot of the girls facing this problem are faced with poverty and in their quest to make a livelihood, they are exposed to sexual exploitation by men who took advantage of their vulnerability. However, the associated outcomes related to their plight were not adequately explored, which necessitated the emergence of this study. Based on this hindsight, this study examined the outcomes of teenage pregnancy in the selected rural communities of Akwa Ibom State. In-depth interview was used as a method of data collection. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 45 teenage pregnant girls (ages: 13 -19) from three local government areas (L.G.As) of the state for data collection. The local government areas were: Uruan, Oruk Anam, and Mbo respectively. The choice of only 45 respondents was influenced by the fact that the number of teenage pregnant girls in the selected LGAs was not known. So, the researchers purposively went for 45 respondents to conveniently conduct in-depth interviews with them. Findings from the study showed that: the main outcomes of teenage pregnancy in the rural communities of Akwa Ibom State are multivariate and are the same across all rural communities. Key among the outcomes were the act of dropping out of school, economic burden, anger/non-support from parents, lack of money, non-visitation of the hospital, non-taking of drugs recommended by the hospital, and no intention to birth babies in the hospital. Consequent upon these, it is recommended that there is a need for widespread sensitization on the dangers of engaging in unprotected sex in the rural communities of Akwa Ibom State. If possible a door-to-door campaign should be organized by the government and other relevant agencies to sensitize teenage girls and their partners on the need to use condoms and other contraceptives if they must engage in sexual intercourse; otherwise, they should abstain from it
Transparency and Accountability in Nigeria's Public Sector: Local Government Fiscal Autonomy in Focus
Full text linkThe study examines how local government fiscal autonomy can promote transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s public sector. Personal interview and survey research methods were adopted in the study and structured questionnaires were distributed to a sample of 132 local council administrators comprising Treasurers, Heads of Accounts, Budgets and Audit of the local government councils in the eleven states in the South-South and South-East Nigeria. A semi-structured interview was employed to guide the interview section. The study finds that there is a semblance of accountability in the management of local government council funds, but the transparency of the local councils is in doubt because fiscal information is not readily available. Most of the local councils do not have a functional website. A major limitation of this study is the unwillingness of respondents to divulge information on local council funds. To overcome this challenge, the research instrument was designed to make respondents give an estimate of the amount received. The study result shows that the fiscal autonomy of local councils is important for the development of the country and reinforces the need to grant local government councils fiscal autonomy to ensure effective development and bring governance closer to the people. The study findings show that granting autonomy to local councils in Nigeria will enhance the council area's development for the citizens' overall benefit. Based on the findings, the study recommends that federal and state governments in Nigeria should rethink the fiscal autonomy of local government councils and take necessary steps to restore the fiscal autonomy of the third tier of government to address the problems of developmental deficits ravaging the nation
Efficacy of Nigerian Energy Industry's CSI Initiatives on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Optimization in Niger Delta Communities: A PLS-SEM Analysis
Full text linkNigeria ranked 146 out of 166 on the 2023 SDG index, scoring 54.3/100, despite a GDP per capita of $5,408. The research investigates the effectiveness of Nigerian energy companies' CSI initiatives in the Niger Delta and their impact on achieving Nigeria's SDGs by 2030. Using an exploratory design, an online survey collected responses from 460 members (representing 92% sample rate) of Niger Delta host communities, analysed using the PLS-SEM model. The results show that CSI initiatives (economic, legal, ethical, and philanthropic) are well-practiced among oil and gas firms and correlated with a 68.9% increase in sustainable development indicators in the region. By being backed up by Cronbach’s Alpha (over 0.70) and Composite reliability (over 0.75), the findings criticize the conventional notion that profit-maximization is the sole focus of businesses, particularly in socially and environmentally vulnerable areas. The research suggests implementing a CSI reporting framework, enhancing government oversight, and fostering positive interactions between oil companies and local communities
Socioeconomic Factors as Determinants of Crime Rates in Abraka, Delta State
Full text linkThis study examines the complex relationship between education as a socioeconomic factor and crime rates in Abraka, Nigeria. Employing a cross-sectional research design, structured questionnaires were distributed to participants (n=100) drawn from an ideal sample size of (n=400) from a total population of N=79,963 calculated using the Taro Yamane sample size technique. The study population comprised youths and adult population aged 16-39 years, with varying socioeconomic characteristics. Data analysis was conducted using both descriptive and inferential statistics. From the analysis, the findings revealed significant negative correlations between access to quality education and crime rates in Abraka, underscoring the pivotal role of educational opportunities in mitigating criminal activities. Specifically, the study identified a trend where diminishing interest in formal education corresponded with an increase in crime rates, highlighting the importance of educational engagement in crime prevention efforts. It also found significant positive relationship between unemployment and crime rate in Abraka, suggesting that crime rate in Abraka increases or decreases subject to socio-economic status. Based on these findings, the study recommends addressing educational disparities and enhancing employment opportunities in Abraka. Policymakers are urged to enact comprehensive policies that prioritize socioeconomic development over solely relying on stringent law enforcement measures. By fostering educational advancement and providing pathways to gainful employment, Abraka can effectively combat crime and promote the overall well-being of its residents
A Review of Climate Change, Fodder Degradation and Access Deprivation as Drivers of Farmer - Herders’ Conflict, Unsustainable Livestock Production and Insecurity in North-Western Nigeria
Full text linkClimate change-induced fodder degradation and access deprivation have emerged as significant drivers of conflict between farmers and herders, exacerbating insecurity in North Western Nigeria. This review article delves into the intricate relationship between climate change, livestock production, resource access, and conflict dynamics in the region. The impacts of climate change on fodder availability and quality, compounded by unsustainable grazing practices, have led to dwindling resources for livestock, thereby heightening competition and tension between farmers and herders. Drawing upon geographic, ecological, and socioeconomic perspectives, this review analyses the environmental and socioeconomic contexts shaping the conflict landscape in North Western Nigeria. Moreover, it examines the concept of relative deprivation among herders, exploring how perceived disparities in resource access fuel intergroup conflicts. The study also underscores the multifaceted nature of conflict root causes, including environmental degradation, climate variability, population growth, historical grievances, and governance challenges. Additionally, it highlights the role of policy interventions and sustainable resource management strategies in mitigating conflict and promoting peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders in the region. Ultimately, this review underscores the urgent need for holistic approaches that address both environmental degradation and socioeconomic disparities to foster sustainable development and peace in North Western Nigeria
Analyzing the Impact of Liability Insurance on the Financial Performance of Insurance Companies in Nigeria
Full text linkThe insurance sector reforms in Nigeria sought to create a strong, diverse, and trustworthy industry that protects insured premiums, actively contributes to the country's economic progress, and participates in worldwide financial systems. Despite this development, insurance business operations and survival have not been impressive, and performance remains alarmingly poor. Therefore, this study investigates the effect of workers' compensation written premiums and workers' compensation claims paid of the chosen insurance companies' return on assets (ROA) in Nigeria. This study is a longitudinal research design. Secondary data obtained from the financial statement of five selected insurance firms in Nigeria over the year 2013 to 2022 were analysed with correlation analysis and panel regression estimation technique. The result of the study, based on Hausman verification, showed that workers' compensation written premium has a significant positive effect on RoA and that workers' compensation claims paid has a significant negative effect on RoA in Nigeria. Consequently, this investigation established that liability insurance is an important factor that may have been disturbing the performance of insurance firms in Nigeria, and must be treated with utmost care in the process of enhancing performance. Therefore, this study recommended among others that insurance firms need to increase the rate of client application towards workers' compensation insurance to realize increased levels of premium and income for performance-enhancing operations