Madonna University, Nigeria - Open Access Journal System
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UNPACKING THE POLITICS OF PALLIATIVES DISTRIBUTION IN NIGERIA: A CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF POLICY IMPLEMENTATION AND OUTCOMES
No full textThe distribution of palliatives in Nigeria has emerged as a contentious issue, particularly in the wake of successive national / international crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, economic downturns and the recent removal of fuel subsidies in the country. These events heightened the urgency for social safety nets, thrusting palliative measures into the national spotlight as a means of cushioning vulnerable populations from economic shocks. However, the processes surrounding their distribution have raised critical concerns about transparency and fairness. This study accordingly examines the politics underpinning palliative distribution in Nigeria, focusing on policy implementation dynamics and the resultant socio-economic outcomes. Key findings of the work reveal a troubling pattern of politicization and elite capture, where palliative programmes were frequently captured for political patronage. Significant inefficiencies characterized the distribution processes, often marred by ostensible poor data management, lack of coordination and minimal community engagement. The study concludes that without transparent and accountable mechanisms, palliative distribution risks deepening existing inequalities and further eroding public trust in governance. It recommends the adoption of fully decentralized implementation frameworks and participatory policy designs involving local stakeholders
GOVERNANCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CONUNDRUM IN SUB- SAHARAN AFRICA: INTERROGATING WITH RESOURCE CURSE THEORY
No full textDevelopment in all ramifications is consciously a human effort, which could be harnessed and actualized through governance. This paper identified the seeming stampede and backwardness of development indexes in Sub-Saharan Africa and interrogated the same with governance. To ensure manageability of data and reliability of results, special emphasis is laid on the selected countries: Angola, Congo, Nigeria and South Sudan. The study utilized an ex-post facto research design and collected secondary data through the documentary method of data collection. The data so collected were analyzed through content analysis. Theoretically, the study adopted the resource curse theory, which maintained, among other propositions, that resource-rich nations are prone to economic crises, which are always antithetical to economic development. This is so because the emphasis of the leaders and the led in such an environment is absolutely channeled to how to share the national cake with less or no thought of baking the same. By implication, political activities in the area are more of a ‘do or die affair,’ a situation where all the contestants adopt all the strategies they could muster to assume the political offices so as to have the power to allocate the national resources. By so doing, the economic development of the country is hampered. The study observed that the selected African countries are mired in underdevelopment decadence, which is ascribable to weak governance that was enhanced by natural resource endowment. However, the study suggested that the leaders of Sub-Saharan African countries should manage their natural resources prudently and diversify their economy for the purpose of sustainability to ensure economic development in the area
GETTING MONEY FOR THE GOVERNMENT: INNOVATION AND PUBLIC SECTOR PERFORMANCE IN NIGERIA CUSTOMS SERVICE
No full textPromoting public sector performance has become a priority on the political agenda of governments around the world. In the context of overwhelming change, public sector organizations have sought adjustments and modernization of the public sector, particularly through technological innovation and network arrangements in order to achieve openness, accountability and integrity for overall service delivery and value creation. This paper examined innovation and the role it plays in promoting effective service delivery in public sector organizations within the context of Nigeria. The paper focused on the Nigeria Customs Service, which is one of the public sector organizations in Nigeria that has implemented a series of innovations for effective service delivery, particularly revenue generation for Nigeria. The research adopted a quantitative method and used both primary and secondary sources of data. The primary data were sourced using a questionnaire. Multiple regression analysis was adopted for quantitative data analysis using SPSS version 24. The technology acceptance model was employed as a framework for analysis. The findings revealed a significant positive relationship between technological innovation and revenue generation in NCS with a p-value of .026. The study recommends NCS to provide more advanced technological facilities like drones, scanners and machine learning (ML) to promote revenue collection and effectively minimize leakages at both national and state levels
THEORIZING RESURGENCE IN MILITARY INTERVENTIONS IN WEST AFRICA: BETWEEN DEMOCRATIC REVERSAL AND DE-NEOCOLONIZATION
No full textThis paper interrogates the resurgence of military coups in West Africa since 2020. It examines whether this resurgence amounts to democratic reversal, as claimed in some quarters, or whether it represents a calculated attempt to end long years of neocolonial domination in the sub-region. Predicating its arguments on multiple theories, the study explores the structural and proximate factors driving military seizures of power across the region. Case studies of Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger reveal recurring patterns such as jihadist insurgencies, crises of democratic legitimacy, politicized militaries, and weakened regional deterrence. Using qualitative methods and adopting a comparative and interdisciplinary approach, the paper argues that these coups stem from eroded governance institutions, diminished public trust, and continued foreign control over the people and their resources. These dynamics have led to growing diplomatic friction between the neo-colonies and their former colonial powers. The study concludes that the popular narrative of democratic reversal is misleading and neocolonial. Instead, it views these takeovers as part of a bold struggle against the remnants of Western subordination, marked by plunder and exploitation. It proposes coup-proofing strategies ranging from institutional and political reforms to regional and international mechanisms. The paper argues that only through de-neocolonization, institutional resilience, citizen control of resources, and a strengthened ECOWAS can military coups be stopped and democracy consolidate
SOCIAL MEDIA AND NIGERIAN DEMOCRACY: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECT
No full textRecent developments in Nigeria’s political and digital spaces raise critical questions about whether social media enhances democratic participation or threatens it, especially in fragile democratic settings. This study explores the dual impact of social media on Nigeria’s evolving democracy by examining its roles in political mobilization, civic engagement, electoral transparency, and the spread of misinformation. The study adopts a conceptual and qualitative approach, relying on secondary sources such as peer-reviewed literature, institutional reports, and theoretical models. Drawing on Public Sphere Theory and Media Dependency Theory, the study develops a conceptual framework to assess the transformative and disruptive influences of social media on democratic norms and practices in Nigeria. The paper argues that while social media platforms have expanded political awareness, participation, and accountability, they have also been misused to spread fake news, incite ethnic and political tensions, and manipulate public opinion. The study concludes that social media acts as a double-edged sword in Nigeria’s democratic development. It recommends the implementation of inclusive digital literacy programs, balanced regulatory policies, and collaborative efforts among government institutions, civil society, and tech platforms to ensure that social media strengthens rather than undermines democratic governance. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on digital democracy by highlighting the dualistic impact of social media in a transitional political environment
THE POLITICS OF REVENUE ALLOCATION AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN TARABA STATE, NIGERIA, 2015-2025
No full textThe paper examines the politics of revenue allocation and socio-economic development in Taraba State, Nigeria. The aim of the paper is to investigate the politics of revenue allocation, and the extent its affects the socio-economic development of Taraba State; using a qualitative approach method, relying exclusively on secondary data as a source for data collection. Various documentary sources were utilized, including academic journals, newspapers, reports and statistics from National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and Taraba State Planning Commission, along with other internet bases resources to provide a comprehensive analysis. The paper adopted Douglas North’s Governance and Development theory as theoretical framework. The major findings of the paper revealed that poor governance and corruption, hinder Taraba state socio-economic development, attributing the state's infrastructure deficit estimated to be over ₦1 trillion; the state's revenue allocation formula by the federal government has also been criticized for being unfair and not reflecting the true needs of the state, among others. In other to address these challenges, the paper recommends that; Taraba state government should prioritize transparency and accountability in revenue allocation and financial dealings in general; and the federal government should review the revenue allocation formula to ensure that it is fair and reflects the true needs of Taraba state. This paper contributes to the literature on importance of effective governance, and institutions, providing policy-relevant insights for promoting socio-economic development in Taraba State and similar contexts
GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION PROGRAMMES AND SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA
No full textThis paper critically assesses the impact of government intervention programmes on sustainable economic development in Imo State, Nigeria. It examines key initiatives across employment, infrastructure, human capital development, and environmental sustainability, analyzing their reported achievements against prevailing socio-economic indicators. The analysis reveals notable progress in specific areas, such as the engagement of thousands in entrepreneurship and digital skills training, significant infrastructure upgrades, and the expansion of health insurance coverage. However, the report also identifies persistent systemic challenges, including governance weaknesses, inconsistent funding, and insecurity, which constrain the full realization of these programmes' potential. The findings underscore that while targeted interventions show promise, achieving comprehensive and sustainable economic development in Imo State necessitates addressing these underlying structural impediments and fostering long-term, consistent, and inclusive implementation strategies
Impact of Bank Loans on Agricultural Productivity in Nigeria (1999–2020)
No full textThis study investigates the impact of bank loans on agricultural productivity in Nigeria, using the agricultural sector's contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as a proxy for productivity. Spanning the period from 1999 to 2020, the research employs descriptive statistics, trend analysis, and simple linear regression to ascertain the relationship between total bank loans to the agricultural sector and its impact on national economic growth. Findings from the descriptive and trend analyses reveal a steady increase in bank loans to agriculture — rising from ₦43.06 billion in 1999 to ₦1.11 trillion in 2020 — while the sector's GDP contribution steadily declined from 32.9% to 21.5% within the same period. The regression analysis further indicates a negative and statistically insignificant relationship between bank loans and agricultural GDP contribution (β = -6.144, p = 0.282), suggesting that increased financing alone has not significantly impacted agricultural productivity in Nigeria. The study concludes that although financial support is vital, it is insufficient on its own to drive agricultural sector growth. It recommends a holistic financing framework integrating agricultural credit with infrastructure development, mechanization, extension services, and market linkages. It further proposes a statutory agricultural credit quota for banks, reduced interest rates on agricultural loans, and improved post-loan monitoring systems
CORRUPTION AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTONOMY IN NIGEERIA: AN ANALYSIS OF CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS.
No full textNigeria is bedeviled by the scourge of corruption at all levels of governance and this poses a significant challenge to Nigeria’s development and political stability. Due to the abysmal performance of previous administration in the Local Government systems in Nigeria, there is a dangerous erosion of the citizens’ confidence in the integrity and effectiveness of governments at all levels. This, in consequence, places the wealth of the nation in wrong hands, stimulates wastage of scarce resources as well as disrupts services delivery and triggers high cost of governance. This study examines critically the problems that confront the Nigerian local government systems in the efforts at establishing as the third tier of government. The research found that autonomy for local governments is being hindered by several factors such as constitutional gaps, persistence political dominations through the conduct of local elections, continuous interference and arbitrary control of the local governments funds, by the states‟ governments and undue interferences in their local administrative, traditional and minor matters. The paper made use of secondary data and adopted the elite theory as the theoretical framework for its analysis. Recommendations are provided to address corruption which is essential for Nigeria's sustainable development and social cohesion as well as promote good governance; fostering ethical leadership, enhancing civic engagement, and a vibrant press to turn around the status quo
HOSTILITY WITHOUT BORDERS: XENOPHOBIA, BILATERAL TENSIONS, AND THE AFCFTA CHALLENGE IN NIGERIA–SOUTH AFRICA RELATIONS, 2015–2025
No full textThis article critically examines the impact of xenophobic violence on Nigeria–South Africa relations between 2015 and 2025, with emphasis on diplomatic tensions, economic consequences, and prospects for future bilateral cooperation. Drawing on secondary data from academic literature, government reports, and international organizations, the study employs a qualitative thematic analysis grounded in Frustration-Aggression and Social Identity theories. The study found that recurrent xenophobic attacks in South Africa have strained bilateral ties between the country and Nigeria, leading to diplomatic withdrawals, retaliatory protests against South African businesses in Nigeria, and disruptions in trade and investment flows. Beyond the immediate bilateral dimension, the violence has also weakened confidence in continental integration frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), undermining Africa’s collective development agenda. While both countries have attempted reconciliation through the Bi-National Commission and joint policy dialogues, underlying socioeconomic drivers such as unemployment, inequality, and weak governance remain unresolved. This study contributes to scholarship by linking grassroots xenophobic hostility to elite-level diplomatic and economic consequences in Africa’s two largest economies, an area that has remained underexplored in current literature. It concludes with actionable recommendations for strengthening diplomatic engagement, promoting social cohesion, and embedding anti-xenophobia mechanisms within regional integration policies