ABUAD Journal of Social and Management Sciences

Nigeria’s Foreign Policy and the Major Geographical Drivers

2024-09-12T03:25:13+00:00

The thinking in the literature is that states develop different foreign policy interests and priorities depending on their geographical endowments. That is, the foreign policy of a state is sensitive to its geography. This article examines the defining role that geographical descriptors have played in the conduct of Nigeria’s foreign policy. Relying on data generated from major ranking bodies/platforms and other secondary sources, this paper contends that geographical factors have always shaped Nigeria’s foreign policy towards the coterminous or contiguous countries, Gulf of Guinea, ECOWAS region, and African continent. While Nigeria has leveraged its size, location, natural and human endowments to launch itself into global relevance, there are major constraints. These include the ineffective governance of Nigeria’s land and borders and occasional border disputes with the adjoining states, poor demographics in terms of nutrition, health, education and work, and the mismanagement of the proceeds from the country’s natural resource endowments. These problems must be addressed if Nigeria is to harness the full benefits of its geography.

Oil Revenue, Institutional Quality and Economic Growth in Nigeria

2024-09-12T03:25:06+00:00

This study examined the interaction of oil revenue and institutional quality on economic growth in Nigeria over the period of 1993 - 2022. The World Development Indicator (WDI) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) statistical bulletin were the sources of the annual time series data used in this study. Employing the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) estimation technique, findings reveal that oil revenue impacts economic growth positively in the short-run but negatively in the long run, while institutional quality exhibits positive impact in both the short-run and long-run period. It was also discovered that the interaction of oil revenue and economic growth could enhance economic growth in Nigerian both in the short-run and long-run period. Access to clean fuels and technologies contributes positively to economic growth in both short-run and long-run period, while fiscal policy rating only has statistically significant positive association with economic growth in Nigeria over the observed period. This study therefore recommends the need to strengthen political institutions for effective utilization of oil revenue, and implementation of strategic diversification policies for the development of other sectors in the economy for economic prosperity in Nigeria.

Variations in the Adoption and Use of Different Family Planning Methods and Implications: Evidence from a Cross-Sectional Study in Nigeria

2024-09-12T03:24:58+00:00

Despite concerted efforts by all stakeholders to increase acceptability and access to modern family planning (FP) methods, the adoption and usage of family planning methods have remained low, particularly in developing countries which place stringent conditions on achieving SDGs. Therefore, there is the need to understand variations in the adoption and use of FP and their implications to speed-up interventions in the right direction. The study used cross-sectional data collected between June and August 2022 in 2,817 households with 6,641 males and females of reproductive age successfully interviewed. Univariate, bivariate, and binary multivariate logistic regression model were used to model traditional and modern FP usage. Awareness was shown to be approximately two-thirds (62.8%) among respondents with main source of information being radio. Major methods of awareness are condom and pills. In terms of significant others’ support enjoyed, 43.5%, 38.5% and 39.5% enjoyed their mother, mother-in-law, and community support, respectively. Religion, region and parent’s parity were significant predictors of traditional method usage. Living in the North-Western region, increase in education, being gainfully employed, increase in years of marriage and exposure to media increase the use of modern methods of FP, whereas living in the rural areas (AOR = 0.76; CI = 0.58-1.00) and partner FP approval (AOR = 0.64; CI = 0.48-0.85) significantly reduce usage. Diverse variations have been identified in the adoption and usage of FP. To improve utilisation, appropriate education and accurate information through radio and mass media must be provided in rural areas and regions where FP usage is low.

An Analysis of Investment Trends, Innovation and its Impact on Cabotage and Local Content Regime: Nigerian Experience from Businesses in Oil and Gas and Maritime Industries

2024-09-12T03:25:22+00:00

This study looks into how Nigeria's oil and gas and maritime industries are affected by laws against cabotage and local content, with particular attention to employment rates, investment trends, technological developments, and communication. The study adopts the quantitative survey methodology. The target population comprises 358 oil and gas and maritime industries’ employees. Stratified random sampling was adopted to size the population into strata. Data was collected through a closed-ended structured questionnaire. The study used the primary and secondary data sources. The study examines the effects of local content and cabotage regulations in the two sectors, evaluating theories about employment rates, innovation, and investment trends. The result showed that there was a positive and significant effect of investment trend and innovation on cabotage law in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria (t-statistics (43.312) > critical value (0.000). Also, the study revealed that there was a positive and significant effect of investment trends and innovation on local content law in the oil and gas and maritime industry in Nigeria (t-statistics (48.491) > critical value (0.000). The findings show a strong positive correlation between compliance with these regulations and investment patterns. Turning barriers/obstacles into opportunities has proven to need effective innovation. The study recommends that policy improvement, improved innovative capacity, industry cooperation, monitoring, and enforcement will help improve compliance with the regulations and enhance investment patterns/innovation.

Effect of Exchange Rate on Foreign Direct Investment in Nigeria

2024-09-12T03:24:51+00:00

This study investigates the relationship between exchange rates and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Nigeria from 1981 to 2021. Employing a Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) regression analysis, the study reveals a significant positive correlation between exchange rates and FDI. Conversely, the study finds a positive but statistically insignificant association between trade openness and FDI. Finding on interest rates (INTR coefficient: -0.104) indicates a negative relationship with FDI, lacking statistical significance. Similarly, inflation rates (INFR coefficient: 0.012) exhibit a positive yet statistically insignificant link with FDI. Notably, the study highlights a substantial and statistically significant negative relationship between human capital (HC coefficient: -77.787) and FDI, signifying the importance of human capital development in attracting foreign investment. In summary, the research findings indicate a substantial impact of exchange rates on FDI in Nigeria. It suggests that policymakers should proceed with caution to avert possible depreciation of the exchange rate, which could deter foreign investors. Furthermore, adopting a comprehensive strategy for macroeconomic stability could foster a more conducive atmosphere for foreign investment.

Cohabitation Attitudes and Behaviours of Undergraduate Students in Taraba State, Nigeria: The Mediating Role of Social Media and Peer Pressure

2024-09-12T03:24:43+00:00

This study examines the impact of social-media and peer pressure on attitudes and behavior of undergraduate students towards cohabitation. The study sampled 1,970 undergraduate students from three universities in Taraba State, Nigeria. Data was collected with an online questionnaire. The study adopts social learning theory and Berger and Luckman’s social construction of reality. The data was analyzed using multiple regression and mediation analysis. The results reveal significant positive effects of attitudes towards cohabitation, social media use, and peer pressure on behaviours towards cohabitation. The finding revealed that a one-unit increase in attitudes towards cohabitation corresponds to a 0.41-unit increase in cohabitation behaviours. It also revealed that, a one-unit increase in social media use and peer pressure leads to a 0.21-unit and 0.25-unit increase, respectively, in cohabitation behaviours. Furthermore, the study shows that age negatively affects cohabitation behaviours, indicating a decrease in behaviours as age increases. The mediation analysis reveals that attitudes towards cohabitation significantly predict behaviors towards cohabitation (coefficient = 0.26 P <0.001). The study further revealed that social media use and peer pressure partially mediate the relationship between attitudes and behaviours towards cohabitation (0.19 (P< 0.001) with a 95% confidence interval of 0.14, 0.24). The study concludes that social media use and peer pressure play essential roles in shaping attitudes towards cohabitation and cohabiting behaviour among undergraduates in Taraba State.

Beyond Sanctions: ECOWAS and the Resurgence of Military Coups in West Africa

2024-09-12T03:24:35+00:00

The recent resurgence of military coup d’etat in the West African region is alarming and problematic because of its contagion effect. Since 2019, Chad, Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso and Niger have experienced military coup d’etat. As part of the efforts aimed at reversing military coups in these States, ECOWAS’ swift response has been in the form of sanctions, which include economic blockade, movement restrictions for the coup leaders, severance of diplomatic relations, and suspension of military leaders from the international community, among others. This effort has neither deterred the coup leaders nor hastened the return to civil rule. This paper attempts to examine ECOWAS’ responsibility beyond the imposition of sanctions in the era of resurgent coups in West Africa. The paper adopts the qualitative method of data collection using secondary sources, which include published books, journals, resolutions, and proceedings of ECOWAS. The paper argues that while ECOWAS is performing its moral obligation by imposing sanctions, the organisation lacks the capacity to compel West African leaders in the entrenchment of good governance. It, however, concludes that ECOWAS needs to re-strategize by having a potent framework capable of deepening good governance and stability of democracy in West Africa.

Terrorism and Economic Growth in Nigeria

2024-09-12T03:24:27+00:00

Terrorism has emerged as a significant threat to global security and economic stability, with Nigeria experiencing its detrimental effects. This empirical study investigated the relationship between terrorism and economic growth in Nigeria. The study focused on the impact of terrorism on productivity in Nigeria, examining various aspects including economic growth, trade, foreign direct investment (FDI), manufacturing output, and other key indicators but with specific focus on economic growth. It highlighted the pervasive nature of terrorism in Nigeria, with various groups such as Boko Haram, ISIS, Fulani herdsmen, and Niger Delta militants contributing to violence and insecurity. The study reviews both empirical and theoretical literature on terrorism and its economic consequences, emphasizing the negative relationship between terrorism and economic growth. Using a positivist research paradigm, the study employed a Structural Vector Autoregression (SVAR) approach to analyze the impact of terrorism on economic variables in Nigeria. The SVAR model incorporated endogenous variables such as economic growth, capital, terrorism, and trade. Data covering a 42-year period from 1980 to 2021 were utilized, and they were sourced from the World Bank and World Development Indicators. The estimation and results section includes discussions on lag length selection criteria and impulse response analyses to understand the dynamic effects of terrorism on economic variables over time. In conclusion, the study underscored the detrimental impact of terrorism on productivity and economic growth in Nigeria, highlighting the need for effective counter-terrorism measures to mitigate these effects. It provides valuable insights for policymakers and researchers aiming to address the complex challenges posed by terrorism in the country.

Illicit Drugs, Organised Crime, and Violent Extremism: Addressing the Nexus, Countermeasures, and Implications

2024-09-12T03:24:20+00:00

This article explores how illicit drug traffickers, organised criminals, and violent extremists interact along intricate pathways to perpetrate their illegal activities and recommends how security agents, especially the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) can better tackle the activities of illicit drug racketeers linked to organised criminal groups and violent extremists. Against this backdrop, the article provides an analysis of the association between illicit drugs, organised crime, and violent extremism. The study was an exploratory research design, carried out in Tsafe Area of Zamfara State. It was conducted using a Key Informant and In-depth Interview. The research was conducted using the snowballing sampling method. Findings revealed that while efforts to curtail the phenomenon are ongoing, the linkages are getting stronger daily. Therefore, to combat the increasing activities of these organised criminal groups, the article recommends a multi-sectoral and “whole systems” approach using modern technology, and synergy among agencies of government, as well as non-governmental stakeholders, who have the wherewithal to support actions being undertaken by the government.

Women and Urbanisation in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria

2024-09-12T03:24:12+00:00

This study examines women's role in the urbanisation of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. From the standpoint of feminist theory, urbanisation is believed to create expanded opportunities for the general populace as well as for women, who typically face discrimination in rural economies. However, the initial FCT master plan ended up being distorted by the dynamics and complexities of Abuja's urbanisation and growth process over time, which is driven by political and economic realities. There are drawbacks to urbanisation in civilisations with strong sociocultural norms and values, such as the fact that women must endure various forms of gender inequality, discrimination, and exclusion, particularly in the political sphere, which present significant difficulties. This study makes use of secondary data to demonstrate how the FCT's 2003 reconstruction to its original Master Plan provided chances for active participation in which women were included for both native people and newcomers. In a similar vein, the Federal Capital Development Authority's (FCDA) and other local council offices, which hired indigenous people for their departments and agencies, significantly altered the way of life for women from being rural farmers to empowered workers. In order to address the issues facing women in the FCT, empowerment must be a multifaceted process that transforms the economic, political, social, psychological, and legal conditions of the weak (women). It must also aim to demolish cultural, traditional, and social norms that devalue, disempower, and dispossess women, with a primary goal of meeting their needs.

Impact of Financial Development on Economic Growth in Nigeria

2024-09-12T03:24:04+00:00

In Nigeria, financial development has been fluctuating and has not made significant impact on economic growth as a result of inadequate credit to the private sector that is supposed to improve investment in the economy. This study therefore examines the impact of financial development on economic growth in Nigeria, covering 1986 to 2022. The autoregressive distributed lag model was employed and the long run result reveals that interest rate (INT), lagged value of broad money supply (M2(-1)) and domestic credit to private sector (DCP) have positive impacts on GDPG while broad money supply (M2) has a negative impact on GDPG. The short run estimate indicates that INT and DCP have positive impact on economic growth, while the coefficient of M2 has negative impact on economic growth in Nigeria. In conclusion, financial development can be said to contribute to economic growth. This is because, when government allocates adequate credit to private sectors, investments are made in enhancing the productivity that will encourage investments to take place. These investments will lead to employment generation, and in turn lead to output growth. In this regard, the study recommends that the Nigerian government should increase allocation of credit to the private sector in order to improve investment and ensure the autonomy of relevant monetary authorities.

Religiosity, Power and Greed – A Review of Olukorede Yishau’s In The Name of Our Father

2024-09-12T03:23:57+00:00