Poverty alleviation policies and elitist approach in Nigeria: An assessment
Vol 8, Issue 9, 2024
VIEWS - 148 (Abstract) 72 (PDF)
Abstract
Poverty, as a phenomenon, remains an obstacle to global sustainable development. Although a universal malaise, it is more prevalent in underdeveloped countries, including Nigeria. However, because of its devastating impacts on the Nigerian economy, such as increasing death rates, high crime rates, insecurity difficulties, threats to national cohesion, and so on, successive administrations have implemented poverty alleviation programs to mitigate the consequences of this disease. Worryingly, despite a multiplicity of projects and massive human and natural resources invested to match global standards, Nigeria remains impoverished. The curiosity at how these programs fail, either because of implementation hiccups or because elites’ wealth and power influence these programs spurred the paper to assess poverty alleviation policies and elitist approaches in Nigeria. The study employed the desk study approach, as it examined secondary sources such as books, journals, articles, and magazines. Its theoretical underpinning was the elite theory. The paper discovered that several factors such as corruption, the elitist nature of the policies which in disguise reflect public interests, lack of continuity, lack of coordination and monitoring system, misappropriation of public resources, and others, led to the poor performances of government in alleviating poverty in Nigeria. The paper concludes that, while the rate of poverty index in Nigeria rises year after year, poverty alleviation efforts in Nigeria have had little or no influence on the Nigerian economy, since most of these projects are purely reflective of the elites’ interests rather than the masses. Therefore, the paper recommends that for there to be a reduction in poverty incidence in Nigeria, a holistic developmental approach should be adopted, the policies formulated and implemented should sync with the needs of the citizens, and quality and viable programs should be sustained and financed irrespective of change in government; public accountability should be instilled; proper coordination and monitoring system should be domesticated, etc.
Keywords
Full Text:
PDFReferences
Abasilim, U. D., Gberevbie, D. E., & Osibanjo, O. A. (2019). Leadership Styles and Employees’ Commitment: Empirical Evidence from Nigeria. SAGE Open, 9(3), 215824401986628. https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244019866287
Addae-Korankye, A. (2014). Causes of poverty in Africa: A review of the literature. American International Journal of Social Science, 3(7), 147-153.
Adebayo, P. F., & Ogunleye, G. O. (2018). Evaluation of the N-Power programme on youth empowerment in Nigeria. African Journal of Business Management, 12(10), 298-307.
Adejoh, S. O. (2018). The Nigerian government’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) and the Social Investment Program (SIP): The role of GEEP. International Journal of Innovative Finance and Economics Research, 6(2), 34-44.
Adelman, S., & Gilligan, D. (2008). How effective are food for education programs: A critical assessment of the evidence from developing countries. International Food Policy Research Institute. https://doi.org/10.2499/0896295095fprev9
Aderounmu, B., Azuh, D., Onanuga, O., et al. (2021). Poverty drivers and Nigeria’s development: Implications for policy intervention. Cogent Arts & Humanities, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/23311983.2021.1927495
Adetayo, O. (2013). Challenges and prospects of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) in Nigeria. African Journal of Governance and Development, 2(1), 65-78.
Akinola, A. O. (2017). Democracy and development in Nigeria. Covenant University Journal of Politics and International Affairs, 5(1), 13-27.
Alkire, S., & Foster, J. (2011). Counting and multidimensional poverty measurement. Journal of Public Economics, 95(7-8), 476-487.
Aluko, A. J., Apeloko, O. D., Chukwudi, C. E., Paimo, O.T (2023) Deradicalisation of Boko Haram Insurgents and Bandits: A Soft-power Approach in Sub-Saharan. Africa. African Reinnassance, 1, 191-213.
Anigbogu, T., & Ndubuisi-Okolo, P. U. (2019). Poverty alleviation: The requisite for sustainable development in Nigeria. International Journal of Research in Tourism and Hospitality (IJRTH), 5(1), 16-22.
Arogundade, K. K., Adebisi, S. O., & Ogunro, V. O. (2011). Poverty alleviation program in Nigeria: A call for policy harmonization. European Journal of Globalization and Development Research, 1(1), 42-52.
Babayo, S., & Umar, A. (2019). National poverty eradication programme (NAPEP) in Nigeria: A critical analysis 2001–2015. Jigawa Journal of Politics, 2(1), 1-25.
Bello, R. A., Toyebi, G. O. A., Balogun, I. O., & Akanbi, S. B. (2009). Poverty alleviation program and economic development in Nigeria: A comparative assessment of Asa and Ilorin West Local Govt. Areas of Kwara State, Nigeria. African Research Review, 3(4), 283-297.
Chukwudi, C. E & Ojo, S. S. (2023) Civil Society Organizations and Sustenance of Democratization in Nigeria. African Journal of Politics and Administrative Studies (AJPAS), 16(1), 18-33. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajpas.v16i1.2
Chukwudi, C. E., Gberevbie, D. E., Abasilim, U. D., & Imhonop, D. (2019). IPOB Agitations for Self Determination and the Response of the Federal Government of Nigeria: Implications for Political Stability. Academic Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, 8(3). https://doi.org/10.36941/ajis-2019-0016
Chukwudi, C. E., Okoya, A. A., Adebajo, A. A. & Adekunle, E. O. (2023) Women empowerment and political participation in Lagos State: A study of Ipaja-Ayobo lCDA (Local Council Development Area). Humanus Discourse, 3(4), 1-15.
Chukwudi, C. E., Osimen, G. U., Dele-Dada, M. Ahmed, M. O. (2024) Conflict and Security Challenges in the Semi-Arid Region of Sahel: Implications for Sahel Women’s Empowerment and Demographic Dividend (SWEDD). Journal of Somali Studies. 11(1), 81-108. https://doi.org/10.31920/2056-5682/2024/v11n1a4
Diah, A. M. (2017). The politics of patronage in intergovernmental financial transfer: The role of local elites in East Kalimantan Province, Indonesia [PhD thesis]. Victoria University.
Eke, E. A. (2015). Infrastructure development and economic growth in Nigeria: A study of SURE-P. Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development, 6(2), 115-125.
Ekpo, A. H., & Umoh, O. J. (2012). The informal sector, economic growth and development in Nigeria: Issues and challenges. International Journal of Research in Management, Economics and Commerce, 2(9), 1-17.
Eme, O. I., & Okeke, M. I. (2017). Youth unemployment in Nigeria: Security implication. Journal of Social Science for Policy Implications, 5(1), 5-18.
Ezeh, P. (2012). Assessing the impact of poverty reduction program in Nigeria: A case study of NAPEP in Enugu State. Journal of Social Sciences, 31(2), 167-175.
FGN. (2018). Investing in our people: Policy brief. Abuja: Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN).
Harris, P., Bitonti, A., Fleisher, C. S., et al. (2020). The Palgrave Encyclopedia of Interest Groups, Lobbying and Public Affairs. Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-13895-0
Hussaini, M. (2014). Poverty alleviation programs in Nigeria: Issues and challenges. International Journal of Development Research, 4(3), 717-720.
Ideobodo, N., Okolo, M. C., & Eze, K. T. (2018). Political restructuring in Nigeria: The need, challenges, and prospects. International Journal of Academic Research in Public Policy and Governance, 5, 26-29.
Igbuzor, O. (2006). Review of Nigeria’s reform programme: Issues and challenges. ActionAid International Nigeria.
Ikeanyibe, O. M., & Imhanlahimi, J. E. (2006). Improved public policy delivery in Nigeria: The role of ethics and accountability. Ibadan Journal of the Social Sciences, 4(2), 121-134.
Ilesanmi, O. A. (2014). The Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P): Potentials and challenges. Journal of Public Administration and Policy Research, 6(5), 87-96.
Iroghama, P., & Ibe, G. (2019). Targeting and equity in the National Social Investment Program (NSIP) in Nigeria. Journal of Development Policy Review, 7(2), 25-41.
Kazeem, Y. (2018). Nigeria has become the poverty capital of the world. Available online: https://qz.com/africa/1313380/nigerias-has-the-highest-rate-of-extreme-poverty-globally (accessed on 16 March 2024).
Khare, J., & Agarwal, R. K. (2020). Good governance via public policy. Available online: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344156125 (accessed on 9 March 2024).
Kolawole, R. J. (2021). Evaluation of poverty alleviation program in Nigeria: The demand-driven approach perspective. International Journal of Development and Management Review, 16(1), 161-177.
Lawal, T., & Oladunjoye, A. (2012). Local government, corruption and democracy in Nigeria. Journal of Sustainable Development, 12(5), 227-235.
Mukuru, M., Kiwanuka, S. N., Gilson, L., et al. (2020). The Actor Is Policy: Application of Elite Theory to Explore Actors’ Interests and Power Underlying Maternal Health Policies in Uganda, 2000-2015. International Journal of Health Policy and Management. https://doi.org/10.34172/ijhpm.2020.230
Narayan, D. (2002). Empowerment and poverty reduction: A sourcebook. World Bank Publications.
National Bureau of Statistics. (2022). Nigeria launches its most extensive national measure of multidimensional poverty. Available online: https://nigerianstat.gov.ng/news/78#:~:text=In%20Nigeria%2C%2040.1%25%20of%20people,to%20the%20National%20MPI%202022 (accessed on 9 March 2024).
Nigeria Bureau of Statistics. (2015) Social Statistics Report 2016. Available online: https://www.nigerianstat.gov.ng/pdfuploads/2015%20Social%20Stats%20Report.pdf (accessed on 20 March 2024).
Nigeria National Bureau of Statistics. (2020). Poverty profile for Nigeria. Available online: https://www.nbs.com (accessed on 20 March 2024).
Nwagboso, C. I. (2011). The Nigerian state and crises of governance: A critical exposition. Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 2(7), 56-67.
Nwaobi, G. C. (2019). The impact of the N-Power (training and empowerment) program on the duration of youth unemployment in Nigeria. Social Science Research Network, 3321713.
Obadan, M. I., & Edo, S. E. (2009). Challenges of economic reforms in Nigeria: An overview. Journal of Social Sciences, 20(3), 169-181.
Ogbuabor, J. E., & Malaolu, V. A. (2013). Size and causes of the informal sector of the Nigerian economy: Evidence from error correction mimic model. Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development, 4(1), 10-20.
Ogunmola, D. (2014). Evaluating the Graduate Internship Scheme (GIS) of SURE-P in Nigeria. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 4(7), 105-112.
Ogwumike, F. O., Ozughalu, U. M., & Abiola, A. G. (2014). Cash transfers as a social protection policy response to poverty in Nigeria: A study of household experiences in a pilot state. Journal of Developing Societies, 30(2), 207-227.
Okafor, E. E., & Uche, C. M. (2016). Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) and maternal health in Nigeria. Public Health Research, 6(2), 52-58.
Olagunju, O. O. (2020). Poverty alleviation program and sustainable youth empowerment Nigeria. Available online: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3636948 (accessed on 6 March 2024).
Olaitan, O. (2020). Sustainability of social investment program in Nigeria: An assessment. International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues, 10(4), 131-140.
Olomola, A. S. (2013). The political economy of fuel subsidy removal in Nigeria. Brookings Global Economy and Development Working Paper, 52.
Olukotun, A. (2008). Repressive state and resurgent media under Nigeria’s military dictatorship, 1988-98. African Studies Review, 41(3), 113-129.
Omotola, J. S. (2008). Combating poverty for sustainable human development in Nigeria: The continuing struggle. Journal of Poverty, 12(4), 496-517.
Ozoh, J. N., Metu, A. G., Stephen, C. M., & Madueke, C. (2020). Poverty alleviation programme and poverty reduction in Anambra State: Evidence from Women Business Ownership. Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 7(1), 217-229.
Pokharel, T. R. (2019). Power approaches to policy-making. Nepal Commerce Campus Journal, 4(2), 171-180.
Sachs, J. D. (2006). The end of poverty: Economic possibilities for our time. Penguin.
Salawu, B. (2010). Privatization of public enterprises in Nigeria: Expectations, illusions and realities. African Journal of Business Management, 4(4), 526-534.
Taiwo, J. N., & Agwu, M. E. (2016). Problems and prospects of poverty alleviation program in Nigeria. International Journal of Business and Management Review, 4(6), 18-30.
Ukwede, J. E., Okeme, P. U., Galtimari, F. A., & Ibrahim, N. (2019). Poverty alleviation and democracy in Nigeria. Lapai International Journal of Politics, 5(1&5), 209-216.
Van der Vossen, B., & Brennan, J. (2018). In defense of openness: Why global freedom is the humane solution to global poverty. London: Oxford University Press.
World Bank. (2005). Nigeria: World Bank country brief. Washington, DC: The World Bank.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24294/jipd.v8i9.5751
Refbacks
- There are currently no refbacks.
Copyright (c) 2024 Poverty alleviation policies and elitist approach in Nigeria: An assessment
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
This site is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.