Governance and Society Review

Implementation of National Agency for Science, Engineering, Infrastructure, and Innovation (NASENII) Programme for Economic Development: A Study of Nigeria

2025-01-23T07:04:53+00:00

The current study examines the implementation of National Agency for Science, Engineering, Infrastructure, and Innovation (NASENII) Programme for economic transformation in Nigeria. The study adopted systems theory as theoretical frame work and adopted survey and documentary research design. Primary and secondary method of data collection was used to collect data and was analysed through statistical technique. The results revealed that the National Agency for Science, Engineering, Infrastructure, and Innovation (NASENII) has successfully implemented the national policy on science, technology, and innovation. The agency has achieved its goals by fostering a robust innovation ecosystem, strengthening Nigeria's science, technology, and innovation capabilities to support the evolution of a modern economy. These efforts have contributed to job creation, wealth generation, reduced reliance on imports, increased exports, and overall national development. Additionally, NASENII has laid the groundwork for sustainably driven scientific and technological innovations to flourish in the future. Inadequate fund and raw materials for production are the major challenges affecting the productivity of NASENII in Nigeria. The study recommends that Federal Government should vote for more funds in order to purchase raw materials for production in order to stimulate the growth of SMEs, agriculture, and power generation to reduce poverty.

Combatting Cybercrime in West Africa: Assessing the Role of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as a Capable Guardian

2025-01-23T07:02:35+00:00

The study examines the role of the Economic Community of West African
States (ECOWAS) as a capable guardian in combating cybercrime within
West Africa. To do this, the study adopts routine activity theory (RAT) as a
theoretical framework. RAT states that crime can only occur when likely
offenders and potential targets converge in place and time without a
capable guardian, underscoring the vital role of a capable guardian in
crime prevention. Relying on secondary data, the study reveals that the
ECOWAS has initiated various measures (legislation, workshops, regional
meetings, capacity-building programmes, and partnerships) in its bid to
play the role of a capable guardian. Furthermore, ECOWAS’s efforts to
combat cybercrime have been hampered by several challenges, including
poor commitment and inadequate funding for cybercrime and
cybersecurity initiatives. The study thus suggests that the ECOWAS ought
to invest in improving cybersecurity expertise and cyber law
harmonisation within the sub-region.

Models of Governance and African Development in the 21 st Century

2025-01-23T07:03:34+00:00

The issue of governance is a very serious one considering the place of governance in every country’s development. This explains why it is imperative to understand the models of governance. A good understanding of these models would help a country desirous of development to know the right model for itself. It is apt to state that the socioeconomic and political conditions prevalent in a country determine the model or models of governance to be adopted which, in turn, affects these conditions. This study found that many countries in Africa are characterized by high levels of poverty, unemployment, insecurity, electoral malpractices, and general level of underdevelopment; the root cause of all these is bad governance. With bad governance there cannot be development in any country, since it is antithetical to development. This explains why the citizens of every country desire and yearn for good governance. The paper is qualitative in nature. The relevant data were sourced from documented and archival materials, such as textbooks, journals, newspapers, and internet materials. Historical and descriptive methods of data analysis were adopted to analyse the gathered data. Social contract theory was used as the theoretical framework. The study recommends that for good governance and development to be achieved in Africa, those in position of power and authority should try as much as possible to take the welfare and wellbeing of the people into serious consideration and also shun corruption and authoritarian governance style. The governments of African countries and their citizens should ensure that elections are transparent and devoid of manipulations and outright rigging. Citizens should also ensure that they take active part in politics and governance and hold public officers accountable.