Governance and Society Review

Mopping the Floor and Neglecting the Leaking Roof: Lessons from the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme in Nigeria

Jude Chikadibia Onwunyirimadu — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The Niger Delta region is the primary producer of crude oil in Nigeria. The region's socio-economic, political, and environmental issues escalated into youth restiveness and violence, which caused a significant reduction in oil production and economic losses. The paper critically assesses the essence of the Presidential Amnesty Program (PAP), introduced in 2009 as a response to the militancy, focusing on disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration policies. While acknowledging the PAP's success in de-escalating immediate security threats and increasing oil drilling and production in the region, the study highlights its pitfalls in addressing pressing issues in the region such as environmental degradation, resource control, and socio-economic disparities. The study likens the PAP to "mopping the floor and neglecting the leaking roof," emphasizing the neglect of foundational issues. It criticizes the program's focus on militants, insufficient coherence in collaboration with other intervention agencies, and the unsustainable approach of monthly stipends. The research raises critical questions about the program's long-term sustainability and advocates for a comprehensive approach to tackle root causes. Theoretically, the research utilizes the Sustainable Development Theory, which emphasizes the need for policies fostering long-term peace and development. The study recommends a reassessment of PAP objectives, the establishment of a clear timeline, and the implementation of self-reliance and sustainable programs for the repented militants to address the identified flaws and challenges in the region.

Farmer-Herder Conflict in the Middle Belt and Threat to Food Security in Nigeria: Exhuming Evidences from The Benue State Experience

JAPHET NNAETO — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The Middle Belt, led by Benue state is regarded as the food basket of Nigeria due to its contribution to food production in Nigeria. Production of sufficient food for local and transnational consumption remains a major source of diet and foreign earning for a country. The near intractable farmers-herders conflict in Middle Belt, particularly in Benue State, spanning several years has effectively jeopardized food security for both local consumption and export. Many farmers now avoid going to farm out of fear of possible attack that often results to death, rape, maiming and destruction of cash crops, precipice for food insecurity. The study aimed to identify the causes, consequences and solution to the perennial farmers-herders conflict in the region. It employed secondary data and anchored inEco-violence theory by Homer-Dixon. Documentary evidences revealedinter alia that quest to grab lands for grazing of cattle is the fundamental reason for herders’ incessant attacks on the people and farms of Middle Belt, particularly Benue State. The widespread destruction of life and property, permanent maiming of citizens,the deep-seated mutual fear and discord, clashes and the discernible destabilization of Nigeria caused by these conflicts, underscore the urgent need for intervention. The study recommends measures such as, introduction of modern ranching and immediate and sustainable multi-dimensional action to disarm the conflicting parties.

Determinants of Community-Based Health Insurance Enrolment in Africa: Reflections from Rural Nigeria

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Community-Based Health Insurance (CBHI) in the recent decades is being promoted in the Low-and-Middle Income Countries (LMICs) as an effective alternative model for accessing healthcare services among the poor. Cost of accessing care under the programme is comparably cheaper, and it is also seen as a means towards attaining Universal Healthcare Coverage (UHC). This is being promoted due to the perceived inefficiency of the primary healthcare system in most developing countries. However, healthcare services can only be accessed under such programme by those who enrol in it. This study, therefore, examines the determinants of CBHI enrolment in rural Kwara in Nigeria. The study adopted mixed methods research design. A total of 1,583 questionnaires were administered, and 33 in-depth interviews were conducted in the study area. SPSS and Atlas.ti were adopted for quantitative and qualitative data analyses respectively. Findings reveal that although the programme has received considerable patronage, but since access to healthcare under CBHI is not free, enrolment remains a contentious issue of discourse based on its importance to the success of the policy option. The study concludes that the government must take responsibility by financing access to healthcare especially for those who lack affordability.

A Critical Assessment of Nigeria’s Foreign Policy and National Interest under the Yar’Adua and Jonathan Administrations (2007–2015)

Jibrin Ubale Yahaya — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study evaluates the foreign policy approaches of Presidents Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan between 2007 and 2015, with a focus on their administrations’ advancement of Nigeria’s national interest. It explores the shift from regime-centered diplomacy to citizen- and economy-driven foreign engagement, reflecting broader efforts to rebrand Nigeria’s global image. Yar’Adua’s citizenship diplomacy emphasized the protection of Nigerians abroad, while Jonathan prioritized economic diplomacy aimed at attracting foreign investment and repositioning Nigeria as a key player in global markets. Despite these ambitions, both administrations faced implementation challenges, including weak institutional frameworks, corruption, and internal insecurity. The study applies a critical lens to assess the extent to which these foreign policy strategies translated into tangible gains for Nigeria’s national interest. Recommendations include aligning foreign policy with domestic reforms and strengthening institutional capacity to sustain diplomatic initiatives.

Ineffectiveness of Social Institutions and Violent Conflicts in Nigeria

Lateef Ayandeji — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study explores the complex relationship between ineffectiveness of social institutions and violent conflicts in Nigeria by applying the theoretical lenses of anomie and functionalism. Nigeria's diverse socio-economic and political landscape is marred by numerous challenges, including corruption, poverty, insecurity, and weak governance, which have led to various forms of violent conflicts over the course of its history. Indeed, the ineffectiveness of social institutions has created an environment where individuals and groups resort to violence as a means to achieve their goals. This study draws on Robert Merton's anomie theory, which posits that a disconnect between societal goals and means can lead to deviant behavior. It also applies Émile Durkheim's functionalism theory, which emphasizes the importance of social institutions in maintaining social order. The study also reveals that ineffective social institutions, including economic deprivation, weak governance, corruption, inadequate education, lack of security, and the failure of the healthcare system have contributed to the emergence and persistence of violent conflicts in Nigerian society. This study concludes that the revitalization of the country’s economy will strengthen other institutions and allow them to perform their roles and unburden their responsibilities as prerequisite to the security and development of Nigeria.