Nigeria

Infrastructure Development and Economic Growth Nexus: The Nigeria Experience (Published)

This study examined the impact of government infrastructural development on transportation (IFDT), road (IFDR), water (IFDW) and telecommunication (ITEL) as they influence the growth process of the Nigerian economy, proxy by real GDP (RGDP), from 1990 to 2023. Data were sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Statistical Bulletin (various issues), World Development Indicators (WDI), and National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Four models were estimated to capture the influence of infrastructure development on GDP growth. The Augmented Dickey Fuller (ADF) and Phillips Perron (PP) unit root tests were conducted to ascertain the level of stationarity of the series. Descriptive statistics and econometric methods of Auto-Regressive Distributive Lag (ARDL) model and Granger causality estimation tests were conducted to examine the long run relationship of the series.The analysis revealed that infrastructure development on transport services (IFDT) was positive and significant in explaining changes in real GDP of Nigeria. However, Infrastructure development on road (IFDR), water (IFDW) and telecommunication (ITEL) were negative and not significant in explaining changes in Nigeria’s real GDP within the study period. On this basis therefore, the study concludes that there is no long run relationship between the dependent variable (RGDP) and the explanatory variables (IFDT, IFDR, IFDW and ITEL). It was recommended that the government, in partnership with the private sector, should increase her investment in the provision of infrastructural facilities that are reliable, durable and affordable to the people, as this will not just reduce the cost of doing business but also attract foreign investors into the country. Proper and dedicated maintenance culture of existing infrastructure facilities should be prioritized as this will save government huge amount that can be channeled into other areas of development.

 

Keywords: Infrastructure development on water, Nigeria, Road, economic growth, telecommunication

The Effects of Government Expenditure on Education and Health on Nigeria Economic Growth (Published)

This study examined the effects of government recurrent and capital health and education expenditure on the growth process of the Nigerian economy from 1980 to 2022, using the ECM test approach to cointegration. Annual data were sourced from the National Bureau of Statistics, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Statistical Bulletin and World Bank Indicators (various issues). The Augmented Dickey Fuller test was used to check the level of stationarity while the ECM test to cointegration was adopted to justify the long-run relationship. The existence of a positive relationship was found between government health and education expenditure and RGDP growth of the Nigerian economy. Therefore, an improved health sector due to increased budgetary allocation would trigger a positive growth on the educational sector. The study recommends that for quality human capital development, the government should increased her spending on health and education and ensure that policies are implemented with high level of transparency, honesty and accountabilty, in Nigeria. Furthermore, an increase in government spending on the anti-corruption agencies would encourage the arrest and prosecution of those who divert and embezzle public funds in the country.

 

Keywords: Education, Government Expenditure, Health, Nigeria, economic growth

The Impact of Agricultural Sector Development on Employment in Nigeria (Published)

This study examined the nexus between agricultural sector development and employment in Nigeria for the period 1970 to 2022. The Johanson Cointegration technique was used to establish the cointegrating relationship among the variables. It was revealed that long run relationship exists among the variables in the estimated model. The results of the Error Correction Mechanism showed that there is a positive and significant relationship between agricultural sector development and employment in Nigeria. It is concluded from the findings that agricultural sector development   has a positive and significant impact on employment in Nigeria. The study recommends that there should more public-private partnership in the agricultural sector so that the sector can be developed rapidly through the supply of inputs, finance, infrastructures, market access among others to provide the linkages to the industrial sector so as to create the required employment in agricultural, industrial and other sectors of the economy. More funds should be injected into the agricultural sector to modernize the sector so that it can be made attractive to unemployed graduates to go into small and medium scale enterprises which is regarded as a veritable source of employment generation globally. Government should ban food import, backed by right policies to encourage local food production and processing of our local agricultural products.

Keywords: ECM, Employment, Granger Causality, Nigeria, agricultural sector development

#Hashtags to the Rescue: A Case Study of Nigeria (Published)

This research article investigates the significance of hashtag activism in driving socio-political change, focusing on Nigeria. Despite Nigeria’s reputation as having one of the most accessible press systems in Africa, the country’s media has faced consistent targeting and censorship by past and present governments. Journalists have been arrested, exiled, and even murdered, highlighting the need for alternative platforms for public expression. Hashtag activism has emerged as a powerful tool for Nigerian youths to voice their concerns, hold the government accountable, and mobilise for collective action. This research examines the impact and effectiveness of hashtag activism in Nigeria, highlighting its potential to elicit much-needed change from the government. Participants critically reflect on hashtag activism’s efficacy in enhancing marginalised voices’ visibility, fostering awareness about pertinent issues, and galvanising concerted efforts towards social change. These observations underscore the need for a well-rounded strategy integrating online and offline techniques to facilitate enduring transformation. The use of hashtag activism, as elucidated by participants’ viewpoints, functions as both a mechanism and a first step towards substantial social change in Nigeria.

Keywords: Nigeria, Social media, government responsiveness., hashtag activism, social change, youth activism

Assessment of Religious Organisations’ Corporate Social Responsibility During the COVID-19 Lockdown in the South-South Nigeria (Published)

This study was designed to assess religious organisation’s corporate social responsibility efforts and the expectations of their members during the COVID-19 lockdown in the South-South Nigeria. The objectives of this study, among others, were find out the expectations of religious organisations and their corporate social responsibility in conflict/emergency situations. It was hypothesised that the corporate social responsibility initiatives of religious organisations had a positive influence on their corporate image and there is a significant relationship between the corporate social responsibility of religious organisations in South-South Nigeria, during the lockdown and the new membership enrolment. The Hypotheses were tested using the using the Cronbach Alpha on Statistical Packages for Social Science. The study adopted the Stakeholders, System theories as it theoretical bases. The descriptive survey research method was adopted with the questionnaire as the research instrument. The South-South region of Nigeria constituted the population of the study while a simple size of 400 respondents from the Taro Yamane formula were selected. However, 381 questionnaire were returned and certified as appropriate for the study. The study adopted the proportional sampling techniques. The findings of the study revealed that a majority of the respondents (57) percent   received assistance from various religious organisations during the lockdown though there were significant disparities in their areas of interest. The study concluded that the CRS initiatives of the religious organisation positively influenced their images and fostered a sense of care and compassion which led to new member enrolment. It was thus recommended among others that religious organisations should improve the timeliness of their support during emergencies while such initiatives should be carried out with more transparency.

 

Keywords: Corporate Social Responsibility, Nigeria, South-South, covid-19 lockdown, religious organisations

The Relevance of Shari’ah to Curbing Insecurity in the North-Central Nigeria (Published)

The research is designed to establish the relevance of Shari’ah in curbing insecurity in the North-Central Nigeria with particular reference to Niger, Nasarawa and Plateau States. The study employed descriptive survey, various respondents comprising Islamic Religious Organizations, Muslim Law-enforcement agents, Shari’ah Court Judges and the Muslim society in the North-Central Zone.  Proportional sample technique was used to select five hundred and forty (540) for the study, while a total of fifty respondents from neighboring states of Niger for the purpose of pilot study. A reliability coefficient of 0.089 was obtained for all the forty-five (45) items in the instrument. The study found that there has been lack of commensurate disciplinary actions to crimes. The study also found that there is no proper knowledge and guidance of Islam. Added to these findings is that the entire life system of people is not guided by Shariah provisions. Based on this research, the researcher recommended among others that Shari’ah provisions should be well taught and understood with a view to curbing insecurity menace in the affected states.  Proper knowledge and guidance of Islam should be adhered to and imparted to people in the society with a view to curbing insecurity acts. Government in collaboration with stakeholders (community leaders, youth leaders and other leaders of Community based Organizations) should come up with lasting solutions to insecurity in their affected states and / or communities. Government should deploy security agents to insecurity vulnerable areas with a view to dislodging the banditry attacks.

 

Keywords: Insecurity, Nigeria, north Central, relevance of Shari’ah

The Role of Mass Media in Crisis Management in Nigeria (Published)

The role played by the media in the resolution of conflicts and crises cannot be overemphasized. The media has been a vital channel for resolving crises in society. The media has been construed as a two-edged sword that can either instigate a crisis or provide an avenue for resolving it. In other words, the influence of the mass media can be both positive and/or negative, depending on the mode and direction of use. Apparently, media influence has increased tremendously in the last decades, but there is no agreement among scholars and researchers on the degree and tenacity of its influence in managing and resolving conflicts and crises in society. The media, by right and duty, must provide citizens with accurate, comprehensive, unbiased, and high-quality information on the causes, effects, and possible resolutions to avert a further deepening of the crisis, which could lead to the destruction of lives, properties, and the economy. Put differently, the media are always known to set agendas for the public to follow; they do this by raising salient and critical issues as they unfold in society and bringing them to the public. The media set an agenda of peace, love, unity, etc. In recent times, Plateau State, especially Jos, has been characterized by one form of crisis or another, which in turn leads to the loss of lives and properties. This research work therefore attempts to examine the relevant role played by the media in resolving the lingering crises in Northern states, particularly Plateau State. In addition, the research examines the way and manner in which the media have been used to manage the crises in Nigeria. The aim of this study is to analyse the role of the media in crisis management in Nigeria. The specific objectives were to establish the media accessibility level and the various types of media coverage; to establish the extent to which media escalated and/or de-escalated violence; and to determine how media could influence selected human factors towards crises. The research utilized both primary and secondary source materials. Other reference materials, such as newspapers, the internet, and journals, were used to gather information about the activities carried out by the media in times of crisis. The research concludes that the media have a crucial role to play in de-escalating crises.

Keywords: Crisis, Crisis Management, Mass Media, Nigeria, Plateau State

Internally Displaced Persons in Nigeria: Durable Solution, Assessment and Reviews (Published)

The protracted internal displacement crisis in Nigeria has led to significant challenges for the affected population and has strained the country’s resources and infrastructure. This paper focuses on the issue of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nigeria, exploring the concept of durable solutions, the importance of comprehensive assessments, and the necessity of regular reviews in addressing their plight. The concept of durable solutions forms the cornerstone of addressing displacement crises, aiming to provide sustainable outcomes for IDPs. This study examines the three recognized durable solutions: voluntary return, local integration, and resettlement, and analyzes their applicability in the Nigerian context. It emphasizes the need for a holistic approach that considers socio-economic factors, security conditions, and the protection of IDPs’ rights. Comprehensive assessments play a vital role in understanding the needs and vulnerabilities of IDPs, facilitating informed decision-making and resource allocation. This study highlights the importance of conducting thorough assessments, including demographic data, living conditions, access to basic services, and psychosocial support. It emphasizes the role of government agencies, humanitarian organizations, and research institutions in undertaking these assessments to guide effective interventions. Regular reviews of displacement situations are crucial to monitor progress, identify gaps, and adapt strategies accordingly. This study emphasizes the significance of periodic evaluations of policies, programs, and interventions aimed at addressing internal displacement in Nigeria. It underscores the importance of stakeholder involvement, including IDPs themselves, in these review processes to ensure their perspectives are considered and their voices heard. Furthermore, the work acknowledges the challenges inherent in addressing the plight of IDPs in Nigeria, including limited resources, security concerns, and the complexity of the underlying causes of displacement. It emphasizes the need for a coordinated and multi-stakeholder approach, involving the government, humanitarian actors, civil society, and the international community, to achieve durable solutions for IDPs.

Keywords: Displacement, Idps, Nigeria, durable solutions, humanitarian disaster

Financial Indicators and Stock Market Performance in Nigeria (Published)

This study examined financial indicators and stock market performance in Nigeria. The low performance of the stock market has been attributed to so many factors, ranging from financial, macroeconomic to political and institutional. Hence, the study examined the relationship between financial indicators and stock market performance, using the econometric analytical technique. Annual time series data sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria and Nigerian Stock Exchange were employed. Stock market performance was measured by all-share index while financial indicators were represented by stock market profitability, liquidity and efficiency. The bound testing and Autoregressive Distributed Lag model estimation techniques were employed for the analysis. It was revealed that a long run relationship exists among the variables in the estimated model. A positive relationship exists between market profitability, liquidity, efficiency and stock market performance in Nigeria with coefficients of 58.98, 879.58 and5152.51, respectively. The implication of the findings is that market profitability, market liquidity and market efficiency have positive impact on stock market performance in Nigeria. Hence, the study recommends that; there is need for implementing policy such as good corporate governance that will maximize profit for investors in the market, make it attractive and hence deepen the Nigerian stock exchange market; the provision of windows for firms to raise cash through issuance of new shares, debentures, loans and deposits,  when needed and enhance the ability of the firms to convert assets to cash to pay its current liabilities and its debt capacity;while a high trading volume should be maintained to enhance efficiency of the Nigerian capital market.

Keywords: ARDL, Nigeria, financial indicators, stock market performance

Impact of Entrepreneurship and International Trade on Economic Growth and Development in Nigeria (Published)

This study empirically investigates the impact of entrepreneurship and international trade on economic growth and development in Nigeria from 1990 to 2022. Domestic credit to private sector (DCPS), Exchange rate (EXR), Self-employment (SEEM), Total exports ((TEX), Total imports (TIM) and inflation rate (INFR)were used as dimensions of the independent variable while Real gross domestic product (RGDP) as the dependent variable. Annual time series data were obtained from secondary sources including the CBN annual statistical bulletin, World Bank development indicators. The Eview9 Statistical Software was employed to analyze the data empirically. The Unit root test shows that real gross domestic product, domestic credit to private sector, exchange rate, self-employment, total exports and total imports are all stationary after first difference I(1) while inflation rate was stationary at level I(0). The data were analyzed using the Autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL). The results of the ARDL estimates indicate that in the long run self-employment and total exports coefficients were positively signed and statistically significant which means that increase in self-employment and total exports in Nigeria will increase real gross domestic product (Economic growth) while total imports turned up with a negative sign and also statistically significant. It portends that total import has a negative impact on economic growth and development in Nigeria in the long run. The study recommends amongst others that government should promote entrepreneurship by providing credit and grants to encourage self-employment. Government should also encourage import substitution, promote exportation of locally made goods as this has positive impact on economic growth and development in Nigeria.

Citation: Adeyemo O. O.  (2023) Impact of Entrepreneurship and International Trade on Economic Growth and Development in Nigeria, Global Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Vol.11, No.4, pp.52-68

Keywords: Development, Entrepreneurship, International Trade, Nigeria, economic growth