The Impact of Colonial Legacies on the Political and Economic Development of Nigeria: A Critical Analysis of the Structural Adjustment Policies

The implementation of structural adjustment policies (SAP) in Nigeria led to significant economic hardship, yet some individuals benefited from the recession and government actions. The import license regime in the Second Republic fostered the rise of a wealthy class, strengthening political connections. Despite low profits from 1982 to 1984, multinational companies such as United Africa Company, Patterson Zochonis, and Mobil Oil saw substantial gains, while workers experienced widespread retrenchment. SAP created a stark divide between winners and losers. Though SAP aimed to eradicate poverty and transform Africa’s economy, its failure to engage with the citizens who needed support most undermined its goals. The policy’s inability to adapt to the unique needs of African societies fueled discontent, as many felt it worsened economic hardship, poverty, and inequality. This paper uses historical method of discuss and analysis to explore the impact of colonial legacies on Nigeria's political and economic development, focusing on the consequences of SAP and its role in perpetuating disparities. Keywords: Colonial Legacies, Structural adjustment policies, Class inequality, Neocolonialis

Gendered Authority in Traditional Justice Systems: Unveiling the Role of Magajia in Customary Justice Systems in Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria.

Traditional justice systems in Africa are often perceived as exclusively patriarchal. However, the gendered authority of the Magajia in Auchi challenges this narrative. This study examines the role of the Magajia, a female traditional leader, in conflict resolution and moral guidance within Auchi’s customary justice systems. Using purposive sampling, thirty-six key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observation at community court sessions were conducted. Findings reveal that the Magajia is usually an elderly woman appointed by senior women or traditional rulers to mediate disputes, upholds moral standards, and represents women’s interests. Though her judgments lack legal enforcement under the state law, but her influence within the community remains significant.  Therefore, institutionalizing the Magajia’s role and providing training in leadership, legal literacy, and digital skills could enhance her relevance in modern governance structures. Above all, the study underscores the need to recognize and empower gender-inclusive traditional justice systems in Nigeria. Keywords: Unveiling, The Magajia, Traditional Justice systems, Auchi, Edo State Nigeria

Petroleum Industry Act of Nigeria: Looking at Challenges from a Sociological Theoretical Perspective

This paper reviews the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 with a view to highlighting the inherent challenges that may ultimately constrain the effective implementation. It x-rays the problems using the frame work of a sociological theoretical perspective. The paper viewed these envisaged latent inhibitions of the implementation basically in terms of internal and external factors. The issues of Dependency status in a world system and corruption of the local political elites were particularly focused. Suggestions were also provided as a way out in this direction. Keywords: Petroleum, Industry act, Corruption, Dependency statu

Human Rights and the Use of Force: Examining the Nigerian Government’s Response to the #EndSARS Protest

The current study investigates the human rights violations and use of force by Nigerian government in response to #ENDSARS protest which was a nationwide protest on police brutality (mainly through Special Anti-Robbery Squad or popularly called SARS) across the nation. The analysis explores the legal setting pertaining to force used by law enforcement, allegations of human rights abuses and the place of security agencies at the events of October 20, 2020 incident at Lekki Toll Gate. Building on comparative research into international standards, such as the United Nations Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Peacekeepers or the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights; the research assesses Nigerian compliance with international norms on human rights. It pinpoints the shortcomings of accountability frameworks, chastising the inadequacy of Nigeria legal as well policy making in order to protect rights of protesters. The policy recommendations proposed in the study include, but are not limited to; legal reforms; better accountability mechanisms and human rights trainings for security forces to reduce the next time bias. Recommendations to incorporate oversight mechanisms and the enforcement of recommendations from Judicial Panel of Inquiry are vital for true justice and institutional accountability. Nigeria can promote a rights-based approach to protest management, by programming and aligning domestic laws with international best practice which would serve citizens better with more human protection and restore trust in law enforcement agencies in relation to public. Keywords: Human Rights, Use of Force, ENDSARS protest, police brutalit

Impact of Boko Haram Insurgency on Educational Performance Indicators in Senior Secondary Schools in Borno State, Nigeria

The study assessed Impact of Boko Haram Insurgency on Educational Performance Indicators in Senior Secondary Schools in Borno State, Nigeria. Its determined impact of Boko Haram insurgency on students’ enrolment rate before and during Boko Haram insurgency on students’ attendance rate before and during Boko Haram insurgency on students’ dropout rate before and during Boko Haram insurgency and students’ completion rate before and during Boko Haram insurgency in senior secondary schools in Borno State, Nigeria. Ex post facto research design was used. The population of the study were all the sixty three (63) affected senior secondary schools in Borno State, Nigeria. Disproportionate stratified random sampling technique was used to sample forty eight (48) schools to collect data. Observation, and proforma were used to collect data for the study. The data collected were analysed using t-test of paired sample. The study found that there was a significant difference in students’ net and gross enrolment rate before and during Boko Haram insurgency in senior secondary schools in Borno State, and the difference was in favour of insurgency period. There was a significant difference in students’ attendance rate before and during Boko Haram insurgency in the year 2005 and 2011, 2007 and 2013 and total before and during and not in the year 2006 and 2012, 2008 and 2014 in senior secondary schools in Borno State, and difference was in favour of insurgency period. There was a significant difference in students’ dropout rate before and during Boko Haram insurgency in the year 2007 and 2013, and total before and during and not in 2005 and 2011, 2006 and 2012, and 2018 and 2014, in senior secondary schools in Borno State, and the difference was in favour of insurgency period and there was a significant difference in students’ completion rate before and during Boko Haram insurgency in senior secondary schools in Borno State, and the difference was in favour of pre insurgency period for the first year and insurgency period for the remaining years. Based on the findings of the study, it is concluded that there was a positive impact of insurgency on students’ net and gross enrolment rate, and completion rate in senior secondary schools in Borno State. It is also concluded that there was inconsistency in the impact of Boko Haram insurgency on students’ attendance rate and dropout rate in senior secondary schools in Borno State. The study recommended among others that Borno State Government should provide free education up to secondary school as the study shows that students ‘net and gross enrolment rate in favour of insurgency period. Federal and Borno State Government should deploy security agents to provide protection to schools to avoid future attacks as the finding indicates that the students dropout rate increased during the insurgency period despite inconsistency in results, and most schools outside the Maiduguri Metropolis were destroyed and the Federal and Borno State Government should provide scholarship for continuous education as the study shows that students completion rate favour of insurgency period and most of their parents were internally displaced. Keywords: Boko- Haram insurgency, net and gross enrolment rate, attendance rate, dropout rate, and completion rate

The Role of the Church in Mobilizing Women for Sustainable Peace in the Niger Delta

The paper explores the role of the church in mobilizing women to promote sustainable peace in the Niger Delta region. Its aims are to investigate the roles women play towards peace building and discuss how the church can effectively mobilize them towards sustaining peace. The data for this paper are based on secondary sources, while it is examined through the lens of Feminist Peace Theory.  It was discovered that the women contribute to peace through prayer for peace, peaceful protests, formation of women groups and organizations and by discouraging their husbands and sons from taking part in conflicts. It was also discovered that the church in the Niger Delta can mobilize women through rereading of Biblical texts on gender; faith-based peacebuilding; women education and healthcare system; encouraging women organizations in the Church to be involved in peace building, and organization of programmes and outreaches for women. Others are: advocacy for women’s rights and interest; encouragement of women’s active participation in politics; reintegration of female combatants and victims of conflicts into society; promotion of gender equality and campaign against root causes of conflict. The study concludes that the church's focus on mobilizing women for sustainable peace is essential for addressing the complex challenges facing the Niger Delta region. The study recommends among others, that government should provide resources and support for church-led peacebuilding initiatives by encouraging and supporting women's participation in peace processes and decision-making and encourage increase in women’s participation in politics as well as ensuring gender equality in the society and in all government appointments. Keywords: Church, Women, Peace, Peacebuilding, Niger Delt

Female Genital Mutilation and Repressive Boundaries: Representations in Mabel Evwierhoma’s “The Cut Across”

Representation is one of the creative tools used in play text to interrogate or reinforce consciousness or awareness of certain nagging socio-cultural practices in society. In recent times, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a disturbing cultural practice in Nigeria, has received scant attention despite mounting global pressure to curb the devastating practice. Scant involvement of playwrights in the fight against FGM reduces the collective efforts towards the ill-disposed cultural practice in various parts of Nigeria. This paper examined Mabel Evwierhoma’s “The Cut Across” (2022) to reveal issues surrounding the practice of FGM with attention to its repressive effects and possible reasons for sustaining the tradition. The paper deployed textual analysis and Theatre for Development (TFD) as a conceptual frame of reference.  The study arrived at the fact that FGM is practised in many communities because of ignorance, fear of speaking out or being banished from the community. Also, the custodians of many communities believe that FGM eliminates infidelity. However, the revealed complications, infections, barrenness, depression, sexual rigidity and death as consequences of FGM practices. The text also emphasised exposure and education as instruments that can help women fight injustices and injurious traditions. It was recommended that Theatre for Development should be considered as a viable platform for raising issues of social change, especially for rigid traditional practices such as FGM in Nigeria. Keywords: Local Birth Attendants, Local Circumcisers, Theatre for Development, Ill-disposed cultural practice, Repressive trends, Drama therap

Legitimacy Crisis, Accountability, and Local Government Elections in Nigeria: Lessons from KWASIEC 2024 LG Election

This study investigates the electoral process, accountability, legitimacy, and public trust in local government elections in Kwara State, Nigeria. Using a survey of local residents, the study evaluates public perceptions of electoral transparency, the professionalism of election officials, the accountability of local government officials, and the legitimacy of elected representatives. The findings reveal a moderate level of awareness about the electoral process but highlight significant concerns regarding transparency, electoral malpractice, and the effectiveness of accountability mechanisms. A lack of confidence in the legitimacy of elected officials and the integrity of election results is evident. The study emphasizes the need for comprehensive electoral reforms, including enhanced voter education, improved transparency, and stricter enforcement of electoral laws to address these challenges. The recommendations aim to foster a more transparent, accountable, and legitimate electoral system, thereby strengthening public trust in the democratic process. Keywords: Electoral process, Accountability, Legitimacy, Public trus

The Supply of Staple Foodstuffs to the Armed Forces in Nigeria during the Inter-War Years

This research explored the critical role of staple foodstuff supply in sustaining the Nigerian Armed Forces during the inter-war years (1919-1939). It investigated the challenges and strategies employed by the colonial government to ensure adequate provision of essential food items to troops stationed across the vast Nigerian territory. The study relied essentially on primary archival sources for its analysis. Files of the Central Secretary’s Office (CSO) on the colonial Nigeria war-economy and the armed forces deposited in the National Archives at Ibadan (NAI), Enugu and Kaduna provided the data for the historical analysis. The study of this phenomenon in West Africa will contribute towards a more global perspective of the history of the Great War. By examining factors such as agricultural production, transportation infrastructure, storage facilities, and procurement policies, the study threw light on the complex logistical operations involved in feeding the military during this period. Additionally, it analyzed the impact of food shortages, economic fluctuations, and global events on the supply chain and its consequences for the morale and effectiveness of the Nigerian Armed Forces. Keywords: Armed Forces, Strategy, Government, Infrastructure, Fluctuations

Economic Policy Uncertainty and Foreign Direct Investment in Nigeria: Evidence from Quantile Regression

Nigeria has faced significant challenges in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), with economic policy uncertainty (EPU) emerging as a key deterrent. Persistent policy instability, regulatory inconsistencies, and macroeconomic volatility have created an unpredictable investment climate, discouraging foreign investors. Moreover, theoretical and empirical literature has been inconsistent in explaining the impact of EPU on FDI. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of EPU on FDI in Nigeria from April 2016 to June 2023, employing Quantile Regression and the VAR Granger Causality/Block Exogeneity Wald Test to analyze the relationship. The study concluded that EPU had a detrimental impact on FDI, particularly at higher quantiles, were increased uncertainty significantly reduced investment inflows. Additionally, exchange rate fluctuations dampened FDI, while strong GDP growth and increased domestic credit to the private sector were more effective in attracting investment. The causality test further confirmed that EPU Granger-caused FDI, reinforcing its role as a significant driver of investment trends in Nigeria. Based on these findings, the study recommended that the Nigerian government adopt predictable economic policies to create a more stable investment climate and implement sound macroeconomic strategies to stabilize the exchange rate, thereby improving Nigeria’s attractiveness to foreign investors. Keywords: Economic policy uncertainty, foreign direct investment, quantile regression, Nigeri