African Journal of Stability and Development (AJSD)

The Evaluation of the Impact of Informal Entrepreneurship on Poverty Alleviation in Nigeria

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study appraised the contribution of informal entrepreneurship to poverty alleviation in Nigeria. Primary data was collected through the use of the questionnaire. Data was analysed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Findings show that: trade and commerce (F=14.65,) has a significant influence on poverty alleviation because Prob>F =.0050 is less than the 0.05 level of significance; manufacturing with F value = 24.92 significantly influences poverty alleviation because the Prob>F = 0.0000 is less than the 0.05 level of significance. Also, the technical work with F value of 16.59 has a significant influence on poverty alleviation since Prob>F = 0.0000 is less than the 0.05 level of significance. Transportation, with F value of 7.52 and Prob>F = 0.0000, which is lower than 0.05 level of significance, significantly influences poverty alleviation. Farming with 4.41 F value significantly influences poverty alleviation because the Prob>F = 0.0016 is less than 0.05 level of significance. Service business also shows significant influence on poverty alleviation with F value of 5.58 and Prob>F = 0.0009, which is less than 0.05 level of significance. However, the model has F value of 22.92 and Prob>F value of 0.000, which is less than 0.05 level of significance. It is concluded that the aggregate income generated from informal entrepreneurship leads to a reduction in poverty; thus, the informal entrepreneurs should look inwardly at things eroding their income to maximise profit from their operations.

Beyond the Pandemic: A Review of the Persistent Impacts of COVID-19 on Nigeria's Socio-Economic, Political and Health Landscapes

Stephen Olufemi Obasa, Olanrewaju Emmanuel Fayemi — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted Nigeria, affecting its socio-economic, political, and health landscapes with lasting repercussions. It has exposed weaknesses in the healthcare system, economy, and political structure, leading to severe consequences such as exacerbated poverty and unemployment, reduced economic growth, strained political relationships, increased healthcare burdens, and long-term health issues. The government's response measures have often worsened the situation, presented governance challenges and diminished citizens’ trust. The economic fallout includes decreased consumption, depreciating investments, declining net exports, and increased government expenditure. Politically, the pandemic has led to low political participation, erosion of public trust, and strained relationships between citizens and the government. The healthcare system's vulnerabilities are evident in the increased burden on healthcare services and the urgent need for improved health infrastructure. This review underscores the urgent need for proactive strategies to address these lingering impacts and for the enhancement of Nigeria's resilience against future pandemics. It calls for a multidisciplinary approach to develop and implement effective policies and programmes that mitigate the consequences of COVID-19 and strengthen the country's preparedness for future health crises.

Renewable Energy and Economic Stability: A Study of How Solar Power is Transforming Local Economies in Sub-Saharan Africa

Gbenga Joseph Ayeni — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines how solar energy is transforming local economies in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a focus on how it can reduce energy poverty and foster economic stability. Solar power, an abundant and renewable resource, is increasingly being used to address the region's energy issues. However, despite the potential benefits, barriers to widespread solar adoption include inadequate infrastructure, financing challenges, and regulatory constraints. The study illustrates how solar energy is enhancing energy access, generating employment, and promoting entrepreneurship. The study is done using case studies from Kenya, Rwanda, Nigeria, and South Africa. Critical challenges to solar expansion are also identified in the study, such as high upfront costs, a lack of technical know-how, and a lack of policy support. It recommends a comprehensive strategy to hasten the adoption of solar energy that includes technical capacity building, private sector involvement, and government interventions. If these barriers are removed, solar energy has the potential to significantly contribute to Sub-Saharan Africa's inclusive economic growth, poverty alleviation, and sustainable development.

The Importance of Stakeholders' Engagement in the Implementation and Adoption of E-Procurement in Building Construction Projects in the Federal Capital Territory

Safiya Mohammed Umar, Adekunle Moshood Abioye, Musa Mohammed Mukhtar — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Incorporating stakeholders’ engagement is essential for the successful implementation and adoption of e-procurement in building construction projects across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). As digital technologies revolutionise the construction industry, e-procurement offers numerous benefits, including increased efficiency, transparency, cost savings, and streamlined procurement processes. However, achieving these advantages depends on the active involvement of key stakeholders, such as government agencies, construction firms, suppliers, policymakers, and technology providers. This study aims to explore the impact of stakeholders’ engagement on e-procurement adoption in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The study adopts mixed-methods in data collection and analysis. The participants are stakeholders involved in the e-procurement implementation within FCT Administration. The findings from the study revealed high correlation between stakeholders’ engagement and e-procurement adoption. The key obstacles to e-procurement adoption include resistance to change, insufficient technological infrastructure, inadequate digital literacy, and concerns about cybersecurity. Additionally, the study found that the advantages of e-procurement include shorter procurement cycle times, reduced risks of corruption, improved contract administration, and enhanced project efficiency. The study recommends stakeholders’ education, policy alignment, structured communication systems, and leadership support as strategies to address e-procurement implementation challenges. Collaboration is also emphasised to build trust and facilitate the widespread acceptance of digital procurement solutions. The study serves as a guide to top management towards the adoption of e-procurement.

Evaluating the Impact of Insecurity on Nigeria's National Development Since the Fourth Republic

Dare Isaac Akindoyin, Akintomiwa Olaniyi Obafemi — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study critically evaluates the impact of insecurity on Nigeria's national development; it explores the interplay between persistent security challenges and the country's socio-economic progress. Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation and largest economy, has grappled with diverse security threats, including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, communal clashes, and herders-farmers conflicts. These threats have not only destabilised communities but also disrupted economic activities, strained governmental resources, and exacerbated social inequalities. Utilising the descriptive approach, the research explores the direct and indirect implications of insecurity on critical areas of Nigeria’s national development. It highlights how insecurity has deterred foreign direct investment, displaced populations, and weakened institutional capacities, further entrenching poverty and unemployment. The study also examines the socio-political dimensions of insecurity, including its role in fostering corruption, eroding trust in governance, and undermining Nigeria's democratic consolidation. Drawing on secondary qualitative sources from government reports, academic literature, and field studies, the research argues that addressing insecurity requires holistic and inclusive strategies that integrate military responses with socioeconomic reforms, community engagement, and regional cooperation. The study finds that increment of public spending on security, weakening of state institutions and loss of public trust in governance are some of the economic and socio-political impacts of insecurity on Nigeria’s national development. The study concludes that to alleviate the effects of insecurity on national development, it is imperative to tackle the underlying reasons of discontent, such as poverty, inequality, and ineffective governance in Nigeria.

Ethno-Religious Violence and Peacebuilding Approaches in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Identity, a cornerstone of human existence, often manifests through affiliations such as religion and ethnicity. In Nigeria, the instrumentalisation of these identities for specific gains has frequently fuelled violent conflicts. Nigeria's history is replete with instances of ethno-religious and political violence, resulting in significant losses of life and property. This research examines the historical roots and expressions of ethno-religious violence in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Specifically, it investigates the 2004 Plateau State Conference, a deliberate effort to address and mitigate this violence. The articulated objectives of the conference are analysed. To understand governmental responses to the ethno-religious tensions, the study explores the emergence and functions of the Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA), established to foster grassroots engagement and maintain peace. Furthermore, the research considers the contributions of faith-based organisations in offering religious perspectives on conflict resolution. The study also addresses the role of commissions of inquiry and the deployment of security forces in response to these violent episodes. Findings indicate that the indigene-settler dichotomy remains a primary driver of conflict in Jos. The theoretical framework of Peacebuilding Theory is applied to analyse the ethno-religious contestations within Jos. This study relies on secondary data, utilising online resources to access relevant scholarly books, journals, and other materials, all of which are appropriately cited. As a means of addressing ethno-religious violence, the study recommends that religious and ethnic organisations actively cultivate opportunities for increased intergroup interaction and understanding.

Jurisdictional Challenges in Cryptocurrency Disputes: Navigating the Legal Maze of a Borderless Technology

Nanjwan Yale Damap, Kangdim Dingji Maza — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The rise of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology has introduced complex legal challenges, particularly concerning jurisdiction in dispute resolution. Traditional legal frameworks rely on geographic boundaries and centralised authority, yet cryptocurrencies operate on decentralised, borderless networks. This article examines the jurisdictional issues that arise in cryptocurrency disputes, including the challenges of determining the applicable law, identifying the responsible parties, and enforcing legal decisions across multiple jurisdictions. By analysing key legal precedents and international regulatory approaches, the study highlights the limitations of existing legal principles in addressing crypto-related conflicts. Further analysis of emerging solutions, such as smart contract jurisdiction clauses, decentralised arbitration, and proposals for harmonised international regulatory frameworks, was also studied in the article. Findings of the article suggest the need for innovative legal mechanisms that balance regulatory oversight with the decentralised nature of blockchain technology.

Evaluating Public and Industry Compliance with Standards Organisation of Nigeria’s Regulations for Safety and National Development in Jabi, Abuja

Sunday Ogbu Igbaba, Dominic Agnes Nta — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study evaluated the awareness, compliance, and implications of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria’s (SON) regulations among industries and the public in Jabi, Abuja. It addressed the challenges of inadequate public and industry understanding of SON’s standards, which hinder compliance and pose risks to consumer safety and national development. Drawing on Public Awareness Theory and Stakeholder Theory, the research investigated the role of effective communication and collaborative stakeholder engagement in fostering regulatory adherence. A descriptive survey design was adopted, targeting Jabi residents, Julius Berger construction company, SON officials, and consumers. A sample of 383 respondents was selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analysed with descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. Findings indicated moderate public awareness and varying levels of industry compliance, constrained by ineffective communication, resource limitations, and technical gaps. Non-compliance was associated with the production of substandard products, which compromises consumers’ safety. The study recommended enhancing SON’s enforcement mechanisms, conducting regular workshops for industries, and launching targeted awareness campaigns using diverse communication channels. Collaborations with stakeholders, including law enforcement and industry associations, were also advised to strengthen compliance and protect consumers.

Organ Trade in Nigeria: A Governance Challenge amidst Socioeconomic Pressures

Faith O. Adeyanju, Ngozi Nwogwugwu, Eyitayo F. Adewumi — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Organ transplantation is an advanced medical procedure which offers hope to patients with failing organs. However, the number of persons who require an organ far exceeds the number of organs available through voluntary donations. This imbalance has bred illegal organ trade, an unlawful activity of buying and selling of human organs. This study adopted structural functionalism as the theoretical perspective, which maintains that political structures have their functions, such as rule making, application and adjudication to ensure equilibrium in the system. Using an exploratory research design, interviews were conducted with four organisations and three medical professionals, and the data were analysed using narrative analysis. The research found that economic desperation, weak legislation and lack of political will contribute significantly to the thriving illegal markets in Nigeria. Therefore, the research recommended the implementation of economic programmes to reduce the susceptibility of vulnerable persons to exploitation by traffickers. Also, there is an urgent need to amend the National Health Act 2014 to include comprehensive provisions addressing organ donation and transplant processes in Nigeria.

Intra-Party Crisis and Decline of Opposition Parties in Nigeria: An Assessment of the People’s Democratic Party, 2015-2025

Chibuike Sylvester Onyekwere, Ejike Emmanuel Ololo — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The study interrogated intra-party crisis and the decline of opposition parties in Nigeria, focusing on the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). It tried to examine the challenges and effects of the intra-party crises in the PDP, most especially in the area of providing a credible and viral alternative that can consolidate Nigeria’s democracy. The study was anchored on elite theory, and the qualitative method of data collection was used to glean data from observation and documentary evidence of secondary sources. The ex-post-facto research design and qualitative descriptive analysis were employed with logical induction in analysis. The study revealed that the perennial crises within the PDP, precipitated by the normless character of politics and partisan relations, have depleted the strength of the party and equally undermined its fortunes as the major opposition party in Nigeria. Based on our findings, the paper makes a case for ideologically based partisanship as a panacea to the problem.

Agricultural Credit Mobilisation and Food Security in Nigeria: Investigating the Interaction Effect of Urbanisation

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Nigeria's escalating food insecurity crisis is inadequately addressed by existing research, which often relies on qualitative insights and limited household surveys, failing to capture critical dimensions of the issue. Conventional food security metrics lack comprehensiveness, emphasising the need for broader approaches. This study fills the gap by employing holistic food security indices to offer a multidimensional evaluation and investigate urbanisation's moderating role in the relationship between agricultural credit mobilisation and food security. Using 24 years of data (2000–2023) from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) statistical bulletin and the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) database, the study employs advanced econometric methods, including autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) estimation, unit root testing, F-bound tests for cointegration, and principal component analysis (PCA). Results show that agricultural credit mobilisation exerts a significant negative impact on food security, while urbanisation amplifies this negative impact, further intensifying the nation's food insecurity challenges. Hence, the study recommends tailored agricultural credit schemes that address the specific needs of rural and urban areas. Policymakers should prioritise sustainable agricultural practices and food production systems that align with Nigeria’s broader goals for resilience and sustainable development.

Assessing the Determinants of Financial Performance of Commercial Banks in Selected Sub-Saharan African Countries, 2001-2023

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the determinants of financial performance of commercial banks in selected Sub-Saharan African countries, specifically Nigeria, Cameroon, Kenya, and South Africa, from 2001 to 2023. The banking sector plays a crucial role in economic growth, yet its profitability remains low despite various reforms. Key variables include the bank’s internal factors on financial performance: management efficiency, capital strength, asset quality, liquidity management, market share, banking sector development, GDP growth, inflation rate, interest rate spread, and real exchange rate. This research aims to identify and compare the internal (bank-specific), industry-level, and macroeconomic factors influencing bank profitability. Utilising a quantitative approach, the study employs a dynamic panel data methodology, specifically the Generalised Method of Moments (GMM), to analsze data from 20 selected banks across the four countries. The findings provide insights into the unique challenges and opportunities faced by banks in the region, contributing to the existing literature on bank profitability and offering practical implications for policymakers and banking stakeholders. The study recommends that commercial banks should incorporate fintech adoption and digital banking metrics to assess their impact on bank profitability and operational efficiency in Sub-Saharan Africa. There is a need for a comparative analysis across different banking regulatory environments that could provide deeper insights into how policy reforms influence financial performance in the region.