JOURNAL OF ECONOMICS AND ALLIED RESEARCH
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CONCEPTUALISATION AND FRAMEWORK DEVELOPMENT FOR WORKPLACE WELL-BEING: A LITERATURE REVIEW
Workplace well-being has remained an evergreen concern in academic and professional fields. It has, however, suffered from the lack of a unified definition, with scholars, professionals, and policymakers bringing in diverse perspectives. This study reviews existing literature to contribute to the discourse on the conceptualisation of workplace well-being. The study adopts a qualitative approach, utilising thematic analysis. After applying specific criteria to eliminate literature that did not suit the study, the researchers selected 75 scholarly articles published between 2010 and 2024. The study reveals various terms and descriptors already used in the conceptualisation of workplace well-being fall into seven broad themes, which are psychological and emotional well-being, physical health and safety, job satisfaction and engagement, social relationships and support, life satisfaction and personal fulfilment, work-life balance and flexibility, and organisational commitment and performance. The study proposes a definition of workplace well-being that captures the thematic categorisations. This definition integrates theoretical perspectives, including the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model, psychological safety theory (PST), and ergonomic well-being. The study also proposes a framework emphasising the multi-dimensional attribute and the interplay between work and non-work environments. The definition and framework advanced in this study contribute to the ongoing discourse on this subject. These can serve as inputs into future research, developing organisational policies, and informing governmental regulations that enhance employee well-being and performance
ANALYZING THE IMPACT OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE ON ECONOMIC STABILITY IN NIGERIA USING THE ARDL METHOD
This study examined the impact of international trade on economic stability in Nigeria using time-series data and econometric models, including autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) models, with a dataset spanning from 1981 to 2022. The analysis reveals that higher inflation rates and exchange rate fluctuations have a statistically significant negative effect on economic stability. Specifically, increased inflation correlates with decreased economic stability, highlighting the need for effective inflation management. Exchange rate volatility also has an adverse effect on stability, emphasizing the need for exchange rate stabilization measures. In contrast, the import-to-consumption ratio significantly impacts economic stability, while the import-to-production ratio does not exhibit a significant effect. The study suggests that promoting domestic production through policy incentives and technological investments can reduce import dependence and mitigate trade imbalances. The policy implications emphasize the importance of robust monetary and fiscal policies to control inflation, stabilize the exchange rate, and support domestic production. Addressing these factors is essential for maintaining economic stability and promoting sustainable growth in Nigeri
MPACT OF MICROFINANCE BANKING SERVICES ON THE PERFORMANCE OF SMALLHOLDER RICE FARMERS IN KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA
This study analyzes the impact of microfinance banking services on the performance of smallholder rice farmers in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Despite Nigeria's significant agricultural potential, smallholder farmers face multiple challenges, such as limited access to credit, insufficient infrastructure, and inadequate training, which hinder productivity. Microfinance institutions offer financial products like loans and savings, which are expected to enable farmers to invest in essential inputs and training, potentially boosting performance. The research employed a cross-sectional survey design and used primary data collected through a well-structured questionnaire administered to farmers organized into cooperatives. Stratified and simple random sampling techniques were used to select 179 respondents from three local government areas known for rice production. The data were analyzed using multiple regressions to test the relationship between microfinance services and farmers' performance. The findings reveal that microcredit and entrepreneurial skills training had significant positive impacts on farm performance at 1% level of probability which implies a unit increase in these variables will increase farmers’ performance, while micro-savings had a negative effect at 1% level of probability and this decreases farmers’ performance with a unit increase. The study shows that access to larger amounts of credit and enhanced entrepreneurial training can improve farmers' productivity and income, whereas improved savings programs are needed to foster financial discipline among farmers. It was recommended that government and financial institutions work together to enhance access to microfinance services, particularly in rural areas. Government should design policies to reduce barriers such as high interest rates and long repayment periods
FISCAL DEFICIT AND ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE IN NIGERIA
Despite several efforts to improve economic performance, Nigeria continues to face significant challenges, including high fiscal deficits and sluggish economic growth. While extensive empirical research has analysed the effect of fiscal deficit on economic growth, limited studies have specifically investigated their nuanced effects on Nigeria’s economic performance. This study examined the effects of fiscal deficit on Nigeria’s economic performance from 1987 to 2022. Fiscal deficit is incorporated as the independent variables, while interest rate, inflation rate and gross fixed capital formation are included as control variable. Economic performance is measured using GDP growth rate. Preliminary analysis shows that the unit root results indicate variables were integrated at orders zero and one, with none integrated at order two, making the series suitable for (ARDL) estimation approach. The ARDL analysis conducted at a 5% level of significance revealed that in the short-run the current year’s fiscal deficit (β= 0.0004, t= 0.9262) had a positive but insignificant effect on economic performance. However, fiscal deficits from one and two years prior had positive and significant effects. In the longrun, fiscal deficit (β=-1.0001, t=-1.8600) exhibited a negative but insignificant effect on economic performance. Diagnostic residual tests confirmed that the model’s residuals were normally distributed and appropriately specified. The study concluded that the fiscal deficit has a negative and insignificant effect on Nigeria’s economic performance. It is recommended that the government should not focus solely on fiscal deficits to improve economic performance, but also consider other macroeconomic variables
FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION IN SELECTED COUNTRIES IN AFRICA: DOES LEVEL OF GOVERNANCE MATTER?
This study was undertaken to examine the effect of FDI on environmental pollution in selected countries with weak and strong governance structures in Africa. Ten countries were chosen from each category, while the time series variants is from 1990 to 2020. Bai and Ng Unit Root and CIPS Unit Root test were used for the panel unit root test. Westerlund Panel co-integration technique was used to examine the long run relationship among the variables. Feasible generalized least square (FGLS) was used to estimate the effect of FDI on environmental pollution in each group of countries. The result implies that the effect of FDI inflows is positive and significant in countries with governance structures, but it is insignificant in countries with strong governance structures. This implies that the pollution hypothesis is valid. In order words, it confirms that the pollution hypothesis holds in Africa. More so, the effect of FDI inflows on environmental pollution is higher in countries with weak governance structures than it is in countries with strong governance structures. It is recommended that African countries with weak governance structure should implement strong laws that will help regulate the acclivities of multinationals in their various countries
ANALYZING THE EFFECT OF OIL PRICE AND EXCHANGE RATE ON PMS PRICING BY NNPC LIMITED AND DANGOTE REFINERY, AND MARKET INTERACTION IN NIGERIA’S DOWNSTREAM PETROLEUM SECTOR
This study investigates the pricing dynamics and market interactions between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) and the Dangote Refinery in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector. Using weekly data from September 2024 to July 2025, the study employs the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model to examine the sensitivity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) prices to key macroeconomic factors—international crude oil prices, exchange rates, and inflation—and to assess the impact of the Dangote Refinery on supply trends and petroleum importation. Unit root tests indicated a mixed order of integration [I(0) and I(1)], validating ARDL, while bounds tests confirmed long-run cointegration for both models. Long-run estimates showed international crude oil prices as the strongest determinant for both NNPC (β ≈ 3.43, p ≈ 0.04) and Dangote (β ≈ 23.37, p ≈ 0.03). Exchange rate pass-through was positive and borderline significant, while inflation was insignificant. Short-run results revealed asymmetric responses: NNPC prices were more influenced by exchange rates (p ≈ 0.03), while Dangote was more sensitive to oil price shocks (p ≈ 0.08). Error correction terms were negative and significant (Dangote: –0.77, p < 0.01; NNPC: –0.90, p < 0.05), indicating rapid adjustment toward equilibrium. Supply analysis showed Dangote achieved 49% of national PMS supply by mid-2025, reducing import dependence. Diagnostic tests confirmed no serial correlation, homoskedastic residuals, and model stability. The study highlights crude oil and foreign exchange as dominant pricing drivers and recommends transparent pricing templates, FX stabilization mechanisms, NNPC–Dangote coordination, and improved regulatory oversight to enhance efficiency and consumer welfare
INFLUENCE OF CORPORATE IMAGE, PERCEIVED VALUE, AND SERVICE QUALITY ON CUSTOMER LOYALTY TO INDIGENOUS BRANDS IN NIGERIA
This study examines the influence of corporate image, perceived value, and service quality on customer loyalty to indigenous brands in Nigeria. In an increasingly competitive market, indigenous brands face significant pressure from local and international competitors. Sustaining customer loyalty is therefore essential for their survival, growth, and contribution to national economic development. A quantitative research design employing a cross-sectional survey approach was adopted. The target population comprised customers of selected indigenous brands in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and household wear sectors in Surulere, Lagos State. Using stratified random sampling, 375 respondents were selected. Data were collected through a structured Corporate Image, Perceived Value, and Service Quality Questionnaire (CIPVSQ), validated by experts and tested for reliability using the split-half method and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. Descriptive statistics, mean scores, standard deviation, chi-square, regression analysis were used to test the hypotheses. Findings revealed that corporate image, perceived value, and service quality each significantly influence customer loyalty, with corporate image emerging as the strongest predictor. The regression analysis underscored that loyalty cannot be explained by a single factor but results from a combination of functional value (perceived value), relational trust (service quality), and symbolic appeal (corporate image). The study concludes that strengthening corporate image, delivering high perceived value, and ensuring consistent service quality are critical strategies for enhancing loyalty to indigenous brands. Recommendations include sustained brand reputation management, value-driven product delivery, and improved customer service practices
DISAGGREGATED EFFECTS OF INFANT AND ADULT MORTALITY ON ECONOMIC GROWTH IN NIGERIA
This study is the empirical investigation of the effects of infant and adult mortality on economic growth. The effects are disaggregated into these age specific mortalities. The objective is to assess the disaggregated effect of mortalities in adults and infants on economic growth in Nigeria. We used Descriptive analysis with Secondary data on the Nigerian economy mostly from 1983 to 2023 and the Auto Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) technique to embark on the study. The disaggregated estimations (respective estimations) and analysis reveal that mortality in adults has a negative and significant effect on the growth of the Nigerian economy both in the short and long run, but infant mortality has a positively significant effect in the short run and a negative effect in the long run. Therefore, we recommend that government spending on health should be increased efficiently, the economic condition of the populace should be improved by providing more job opportunities to increase labour participation and income and a holistic approach should be taken to reduce adult and infant mortality rat
TECHNOLOGY USAGE AND COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE IN NIGERIA’S DEREGULATED PETROLEUM DOWNSTREAM SECTOR
The study focused on the role of technology usage in fostering competitive advantage in Nigeria’s deregulated petroleum sector. For technology usage, the study focused on solar powered solutions, digital payment systems, and truck-tracking solutions. The study also focused on 3 petroleum organizations operating in the downstream sector. The study was underpinned by the resource-based view theory with a primary emphasis on competitive advantage. A simple random sampling technique was adopted to select 200 participants from the selected organizations. Questionnaire was the only source of data collection instrument. The data was analyzed with the aid of SPSS (Version 24). Regression analysis was adopted to determine the relationships. The findings showed that solar-powered solutions, digital payment systems, and truck-tracking solutions all have a significant impact on competitive advantage in Nigeria’s deregulated petroleum downstream sector. The study recommends the integration of solar-powered solutions, the expansion of digital payment systems, and the incentivization of partnerships for advanced technology adoption in Nigeria’s deregulated petroleum downstream sector. The government should further create an innovation fund and regulations to support truck tracking and real-time inventory management, enhancing efficiency, transparency, and competitivenes
EFFICIENCY OF WHEAT PRODUCTION BASED ON OUTGROWER SUPPORT MODEL AMONG FARMING HOUSEHOLDS IN JIGAWA AND KANO STATE, NIGERIA
This study examines the significant difference in the efficiency of wheat production among various out-growers support models in Kano and Jigawa States, Nigeria. Using primary data from 473 respondents, the study employs Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) to measure technical efficiency and ANOVA to assess significant differences among the support models. The findings reveal that 81.61% of farmers participate in out-grower schemes, with the Market Input Credit-Technical Assistance (MITa) model achieving the highest efficiency (65.84%). While guarantee market access improves efficiency, land provision without complementary support is inadequate. The study concludes that a holistic support framework, integrating market access, input provision, and technical assistance, is essential for optimizing wheat production efficiency. The study recommends MITA Model for enhanced access to financial resources, technical training, extension services and guaranteed market to strengthen smallholder farmers' capacity and efficiency of food productio