African Journal of Stability and Development (AJSD)

The Effects of Export Diversification on Unemployment and Inclusive Growth in Selected Oil and Non-Oil Exporting African Countries

Barka Rejoice James James — 2024-11-30

Subsidy Removal, Corrupt Practices and Implications on the Nigerian Economy, 2012-2023

Olayinka Babatunde Adebogun — 2024-11-30

Subsidy removal and corruption significantly impact the Nigerian economy. This study investigates the impact of subsidy removal and corruption on the Nigerian economy from 2012 to 2023. The main objective is to analyse the economic consequences of subsidy removal policies and the types and forms of corruption associated with them. The study adopted the Public Choice Theory as the theoretical framework for understanding the decision-making processes and behaviour of stakeholders involved in subsidy removal and corruption. Methodologically, the study employs a qualitative approach, using secondary data, analysed through content and historical analysis. Findings indicate that while subsidy removal policies aim for fiscal sustainability, they often lead to inflationary pressures, social unrest, and public dissatisfaction. Moreover, corruption exacerbates these challenges, undermining governance, transparency, and accountability. Based on the findings, the study recommends strengthening anti-corruption measures, enhancing governance and institutional capacity, implementing targeted social safety nets, fostering public-private partnerships, and enhancing international cooperation to address the challenges posed by subsidy removal and corruption. These recommendations aim to promote transparency, accountability, and inclusive economic development in Nigeria. Overall, this study contributes empirical evidence, theoretical insights, and policy recommendations for understanding and addressing the complex interactions between subsidy policies, corruption dynamics, and socio-economic development in Nigeria.

Media Framing of Political Instability and its Impact on Developmental Policies in West Africa

Innocent, Michael Abwami — 2024-11-30

This study explored the media framing of political instability in West Africa and its consequent impact on developmental policies. The media’s role in shaping public perceptions of political events was investigated, revealing that the portrayal of instability often influences the policy-making process. By employing a qualitative analysis of various media sources, the study examined how narratives around political unrest affect public opinion and government responses. The findings indicated that sensationalised media coverage exacerbate fear surrounding instability, leading to reactive policy measures rather than proactive strategies for development. Moreover, the research highlighted the interplay between media representations and governance, demonstrating how the framing of instability not only reflects societal anxieties but also shapes the political landscape. The study concluded that a more responsible media approach is essential for fostering informed public discourse and promoting sustainable development in the region

Regional Power Dynamics and Security Approaches: A Comparative Study of SADC and ECOWAS

Dare Isaac Akindoyin — 2024-11-30

This study examines regional power dynamics and security approaches within two prominent African regional organisations: ECOWAS– Economic Community of West African States and the SADC– Southern African Development Community. Since Africa remains insecure due to internal conflicts, and terrorism, regional organisations have a vital role in stability. ECOWAS and SADC are particularly marked by their specific security mechanisms; however, they are located in different political, social and economic environments and thus perform differently in terms of management and resolution of conflict. Using the theoretical framework of power theory and the adoption of case study research design and content analysis, the research critically explores regional power dynamics and security approaches within SADC and ECOWAS. The findings reveal that while ECOWAS’s interventionist policies enable swift action, they sometimes face issues of sustainability and regional buy-in. In contrast, SADC’s consensus-driven approach promotes stability but can lead to prolonged conflict resolution processes. This study contributes to the broader discourse on regional security in Africa, highlighting the need for adaptable strategies that address both immediate threats and long-term stability in diverse geopolitical environments. The study concludes that while both SADC and ECOWAS employ different strategies in Western and Southern Africa, yet the approaches are similar in many ways. Consequently, the two organisations though having the common strategic object of creating stability at regional level have significantly different operating models defined by their respective historical, political and socio-economic circumstances. These differences define their security actions, the coordination of the states which are members of the union, and their performance in the handling of conflicts.

Reflections on Conducting Field Research on Women in Polarised Post-Conflict Communities in Plateau State, Nigeria

Kwopnan Ibrahim Bulus Bulus — 2024-11-30

Due to the fragile nature of peace in polarised post-conflict communities, conducting qualitative phenomenological research on women in such communities is not easy for researchers. Consequently, conducting fieldwork in such a location requires adequate and thorough planning before proceeding to the field. In this article, the authors shared their common experiences of conducting research on women in polarised post-conflict communities. This article emphasised on the need for a researcher to establish multiple initial contacts with persons in the research locations, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and/or Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) that have done some work or are currently working in the locations. The contacts can provide useful insights about the nature of the research locations, the potential participants, and the sensitivities. The article shows that when conducting interviews and Focused Group Discussions (FGDs), the researcher should ensure the safety of both the researcher and the participants by choosing suitable times and safe locations. The article emphasised the need to ensure that ethical considerations should guide the research process. The researcher, in conducting the fieldwork, must ensure that continuous informed consent is obtained from the participants in the research process. This will ensure that the researcher “does no harm” to the participants. Trust building through confidentiality and anonymity should be guaranteed to the participants to build rapport to ensure their full participation.

Improvement of Physics Education as a Hallmark for Economic Growth and National Transformation in Nigeria

Anthony Imanche Mamedu — 2024-11-30

Physics can function in almost all works of life as its applications is found in medicine, engineering, finance, science, technology, and many other fields. And being useful in many areas of life implies that it has some contributions to make to development. Thus, there is the need for a nation that desires development and transformation to make Physics a basic requirement for the study of science and technology because of its positive contributions to the development of mankind. This paper highlights the need for quality Physics education as an essential instrument for economic growth and national transformation. Physics education enables scientists to learn important skills such as teamwork, networking, problem-solving skills, critical thinking, innovations, and self-discipline. These were highlighted to be vehicles that speed up the economic growth of a nation. Also, science, technology, business, and industry were stated to be areas that can bring about national development and transformation through quality physics education. The paper also highlighted the challenges of physics education that could hinder its exploits; it, therefore, suggested that students should be encouraged to apply lessons from physics to real life in a manner that would develop their skills.

The Impact of Monetary Policy on Agricultural Productivity and Food Prices in Nigeria: A Time-Series Analysis

Abdullahi Bashir Muhammed — 2024-11-30

The study examined the impact of monetary policy on agricultural productivity and food prices in Nigeria. The study covered the period of 29 years spanning from 1995 to 2023 which constitutes one hundred and sixteen observations. Data were extracted from the Central Bank statistical bulletin. The estimation technique used was Autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL). The results showed that exchange rates boost Nigeria’s agricultural output and food prices in the short and long term. The estimation showed that interest rates negatively affect agricultural productivity and food prices in Nigeria in the long run but positively affect agricultural sector growth in the short term. The estimation showed that money supply reduces agricultural productivity in the short and long term. However, the estimation showed that money supply impacts food prices positively in the short and long term. It was concluded that exchange rate increases or promotes export-oriented agricultural products but has a side effect on imported food or production input. High interest discourages agricultural technology investment due to higher operating costs, which lowers agricultural productivity and raises food prices. Increased money supply without agricultural investment lowers agricultural productivity and raises food prices. Policymakers should reduce exchange rate fluctuations and create a predictable environment for farmers to invest in productivity-enhancing practices. The government should increase agricultural credit, ensure low-interest loans, and control prices during inflation. To avoid food price inflation and boost agricultural productivity, part of the money supply should go to real sector productivity, particularly agriculture.

Voters’ Turnout and Democratisation in Nigeria: Interrogating the 2023 Presidential Election

Muritala Babatunde Hassan — 2024-11-30

The persistent trend of voters’ apathy in Nigeria remains an issue of concern to advocates of democracy and its sustenance in the country. Democracy is inherently dependent on the will of the people. The acceptability of a democratically instituted government is (to a large extent) measured by the popular support given by the people through periodic elections. This presupposes that elected representatives must regularly face the voters to seek or renew their mandates. Be that as it may, citizens’ participation in the election of their representatives underscores the substance of representative democracy. The legitimacy of emerging governments in a democratic political system is therefore hinged on the extent to which eligible voters come out to vote for them during elections. However, a worrisome phenomenon in Nigeria’s electoral history, most especially since the re-democratisation of the polity in 1999, is the declivity of voters’ turnout in both general and off-season elections. Specifically, voters’ turnout during the 2023 general elections was abysmally low. Of the 87.2 million Nigerians who collected their permanent voter’s card (PVC) out of 93.4 million who registered to vote, only 24.9 million (26.74%) actually voted during the presidential election. It is on the premise of this factuality that this paper interrogates the causes and implications of voters’ apathy for democracy and democratisation in Nigeria. Using qualitative approach, the paper examines the historical dynamics of voters’ turnout in Nigeria and its implications on democratisation, with specific reference to the 2023 presidential election.

Community Policing: “Atalakpa” (Edo State Security Network) and the Management of Crime and Internal Security in Edo State, Nigeria

Olusegun Oladele Idowu — 2024-11-30

This study assessed the praxis of community policing in managing internal security in Edo State, Nigeria. It also evaluated the nature of community policing (Atalakpa-Edo State Security Network) in Edo State and its effectiveness. In addition, the study identified the relationship between community policing (Atalakpa-Edo State Security Network) and the public security force in Edo state. The study further Identified the challenges confronting Atalakpa-Edo State Security Network in Edo State. The study employed survey research design, using both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Also, both primary and secondary data were explored. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics involving frequency counts, percentages, mean scores and charts. The findings showed that the government falls short of effectively providing security for the citizens; hence, the community opted for Atalakpa community policing, which is focused on fostering greater trust and cooperation between the police and the residents geared towards maximising police resources through community participation in public safety initiatives. The study concluded that the emergence of community policing (Atalakpa-Edo State Security Network) was borne out of the need to reduce crimes and social vices, security of lives and properties, and to complement other security agencies in fighting crime and criminality in rural areas. The study recommends restructuring and overhauling of the Atalakpa- Edo State Security Network to meet its establishment's goals and purpose. Also, there should be better collaboration and partnership between community policing and other security agencies in the area of handing-over/transporting of suspects, conducting investigation, sharing of information, fire alert, armed patrol, joint duty posting, training and re-training; workshops and seminars, with a view to fighting crime and criminality, and entrenching peace in rural areas.

Youth Restiveness and Leadership Problem in Nigeria

Solomon J. Oke Oke — 2024-11-30

Youth restiveness has escalated in contemporary Nigeria, becoming a source of national concern. Unfortunately, Nigeria cannot thrive and make any meaningful progress if it continues to being plagued by youth restiveness. Being the most populous country in Africa and one of the most populous nations globally, Nigeria has a higher population of young people, that are restive than most countries of the world. Nigeria’s peace, security, progress and unity as a nation are under siege due to this phenomenon. However, the causes of youth’s restiveness are linked to unemployment, lack of basic and quality education, inadequate provision of welfare package, lack of infrastructural facilities, inequality and lack of other basic social amenities. The increased and negative effects of youth restiveness are present everywhere in Nigeria today as kidnapping, ritual killings, militancy, crimes, violence, bombing, destruction of government properties, cultism, armed robbery and political instability, among a host of others, bedevil the country. However, in some ways, youth restiveness could be linked to the failure and bad leadership style in Nigeria. The conflict theory will be used to explain threatening situations like war, killings, revolution, domestic violence, cybercrime and others. It is however pathetic that successive governments in Nigeria have failed to provide solutions to this menace through the provision of basic and quality education to teaming Nigeria youths, as well as employment opportunities, and other effective empowerment programmes. This study argues that for us to curtail and control youth restiveness in Nigeria, the government should harness youth skills and talents, ensure the provision of employment opportunities, and put in place quality education. The strength, wisdom and leadership skills of the youths should be channelled to various leadership positions in the society for growth.

Public-Private Partnerships and Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria

Stephen Olufemi Obasa Obasa — 2024-11-30

The attempt by the United Nations (UN) to assist member states, especially developing countries with huge financing gaps, to meet the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) necessitated the need for public-private partnerships (PPPs) as a financing strategy. The PPP initiative is generated by the World Bank to give policy advice to developing economies on the need to involve the private sector in financing and operating infrastructure. The paradigm shift from traditional public service delivery to public-private partnerships (PPPs) is a modern financing strategy for mobilising resources so that developing countries characterised by constrained resources can optimise the public utilities, and more importantly, meet the SDGs targets by 2030. The study provides insights into the wide variety of PPP arrangements and the sometimes rather diffused contractual framework under which PPPs take place. Due attention is given to the motives and rationale for relying on PPPs and the expected outcomes of PPP arrangements. A major conclusion derived from this study is that, for sustainable development goals to be achieved in developing economies, the partnership should not be limited to resource sharing, but also involve accountability, people-centredness, risk-sharing and revenue distribution between the public and private stakeholders. The study adopts a qualitative research method, encompassing the use of journals, books, internet materials and secondary data.

Power Outages and the Performance of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Kehinde John Akomolafe Akomolafe — 2024-11-30

This study was carried out to examine the effects of power outages on the performance of SMEs in Ekiti State, Nigeria. The study was carried out in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital. Data were collected through the use of questionnaire, copies of which were administered to 114 SMEs in the study area. The findings show that on average, SMEs in the study area had access to electricity for about two days weekly, and it was only stable for between 1 hour and 5 hours daily. Similarly, the average monthly cost of electricity from the national grid was between about N5000 and N10, 000, while it costs SMEs between N30,000 and N90,000 monthly on average to fuel alternative electricity generators. The effect of power outages is negative on SMEs’ turnover. The study recommends that the government needs to provide palliatives to SMEs that would help reduce the burden of the power outage on the SMEs’ operations. This can be done through giving them tax incentives or subsidies.

The Legislature in the Nerves of Socio-Economic Governance and Development: The Nigerian National Assembly in Perspective

Bonnie Ayodele Ayodele — 2024-11-30

In modern democracies, government is typically structured around the tripod of the legislative, executive, and judicial arms. However, a common misconception exists that, among these three arms, only the executive significantly contributes to a nation's socio-economic development. This misconception is particularly prevalent in Nigeria, where awareness of the substantial contributions made by the legislative arm is lacking. This study reveals that the National Assembly of Nigeria, endowed with numerous powers and functions as stipulated by the constitution, plays a crucial role in the nerves of the nation's socio-economic development. These powers encompass law-making, representation, oversight, and constituency services. An evaluation of the National Assembly's roles, specifically its constitutionally assigned roles, indicates substantial contributions to the nation's socio-economic development. The findings underscore the National Assembly's impactful initiatives, such as combating corruption through establishing commissions like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC). Additionally, efforts in rehabilitating regions affected by militant groups and terrorists, achieved through commissions like the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC), are evidence of its developmental strides. The National Assembly's legislative acts have also positively changed the educational sector and electoral system. The study acknowledges the National Assembly's commendable role in addressing and managing diversities and its active involvement in various constituency services. However, it identifies impediments that hinder optimal performance, including executive dominance, disconnection from society, inadequate laws supporting institutional functions, lack of political will, and insufficient training for legislators and supporting staff. Recognising these challenges as surmountable, the study proposes an agenda for reforming its institutional responsibilities. Recommendations include strengthening relevant laws to fortify the institution, encouraging legislators to develop the political will necessary for effective oversight, implementing comprehensive training and re-training programmes for legislators and support staff, and minimising legislators' turnover to capitalise on accumulated experiences. The study concludes with the belief that addressing these constraints will pave the way for enhanced performances by the National Assembly, ultimately contributing to the overall betterment of the country.