External Debt and Domestic Debt impact on the growth of the Nigerian Economy

The rationale for this paper is to establish the relationship between economic growth, external debt and domestic debt in Nigeria. Debt has become inevitable phenomenon in Nigeria, despite its oil wealth. This paper therefore is set to investigate the impact of external debt, and domestic debt on economic growth in Nigeria between 1970-2010 through the application of Ordinary least square method to establish a simple relationship between the variables under study, Augmented Dickey-Fuller technique in testing the unit root property of the series and Granger causality test of causation between GDP, external debt and domestic debt. The results of unit root suggest that all the variables in the model are stationary and the results of Causality suggest that there is a bi-directional causation between external debt and GDP while no causation existed between domestic debt and GDP as well no causation existed between external debt and domestic debt. The results of OLS also revealed that external debt possessed a negative impact on economic growth while domestic debt has impacted positively on economic growth (GDP). A good performance of an economy in terms of per capita growth may therefore be attributed to the level of domestic debt and not on the level of external debt in the country; therefore external debt is seen as inimical to the economic progress of a country. The paper found that domestic debts if properly manage can lead to high growth level. A major policy implication of this result is that concerted effort be made by policy makers to manage the debt effectively by channeling them to productive activities (real sector) so as to increase the level of output in Nigeria, hence achieving the desire level of growth. Another policy implication of the study is that most developing countries contract debt for selfish reasons rather than for the promotion of economic growth through investment in capital formation and other social overhead capital. Thus, the paper also recommends that government should rely more on domestic debt in stimulating growth rather than external debt. Government should formulate policies aimed at encouraging domestic savings vis-à-vis domestic investment. The need for borrowing is due to gap between domestic savings and investment; therefore, bridging the gap can be a likely solution to Nigeria’s debt accumulation. For debt to promote growth in Nigeria and other highly indebted countries fiscal discipline and high sense of responsibility in handling public funds should be the Watchword of these countries’ leaders. Debt can only be reduced to the barest minimum by increasing output level (GDP)

Globalization and its impact on the performance of the Nigerian Economy

This paper investigates the impact of globalization on the performance of the Nigerian economy ‘between’ 1962-2009 through the application of simple Annual Average Growth Rate (AAGR) technique. The comparative analysis of growth of key sectors of the Nigerian economy (agriculture, petroleum, manufacturing, solid minerals, transport and communication sectors) between Pre-globalization (Pre-SAP; 1962-1985) and Post globalization periods (Post-SAP; 1986-2009). The study reveals that ‘‘globalization’’ had had positive impact on some sectors of the economy especially, agriculture, transportation and communication; while negative impact on some sectors especially petroleum, manufacturing, and solid minerals. Globalization had had positive impact on the overall performance of the economy which is measured by GDP. This implies that despite its negative impact on some sectors of the economy; still is beneficial to the growth of the economy. This paper therefore, recommends that concerted effort need to be taken by government and policy makers to boost the performance of the sectors negatively impacted by globalization especially petroleum which is the largest contributor to GDP in recent time in the country, followed by manufacturing and solid minerals with the view to diversifying the economy. The paper also recommends that crude petroleum should be refined before exporting in order to benefit more from globalization. Another policy implication of this study is that inflation and unemployment may be successfully control if the rate at which Nigerian economy is globalized reduces to some level (i.e. openness of the economy be reduce)

HOW DO GLOBALIZATION CHANNELS AFFECT ECONOMIC GROWTH? EVIDENCE FROM NIGERIA

The short run and long run relationship between channels of globalization and economic growth are examined in Nigeria using multidimensional econometric models. The unit root suggests that some of the variables are stationary while others are not. Moreover, causality test shows mix outcome with few cases of bi-directional causation. Also, co-integration result reveals the existence of long run relationship between the variables of the model with six co-integrating equations. The paper argues that channels of globalization affect economic growth more positively. Consequently, it recommends the pursuance of policy aiming at reducing external reserves, ensuring foreign exchange rate stability among others

The Sensitivity of Ice Pack Preserved Trypanosoma Evansi to Different Parasitological Diagnostic Methods

The aim of this study is to determine the sensitivity of ice pack preservation of Trypanosomaevansi to some parasitological diagnostic techniques like wet blood film (WBF), haematocrit centrifugation test (HCT) and mice inoculation test (MIT). Three millilitres each of blood containing approximately 10 x 103 T. evansi/ml was placed in four different sample bottles and preserved in an insulated flask containing ice at 5 0C. WBF & HCT were used prior to ice preservation and at 4, 8, 12, 24, and 36 hrs post ice preservation to observe for the presence of motile trypanosomes. A total of 8 mice, two per sample were inoculated intraperitonealy with 0.2mls of the blood samples at each time interval of preservation. The level of parasitaemia was also estimated at each time of preservation by c ount ing the number of live trypanosomes in wet film preparation of the buffy coat materials of each sample under phase contrast microscopy. Decrease in the sensitivities of the tests were noticed as follows: from 100% at 0 – 8 hrs to 75% at 12 hrs and 50% at 36 hrs post preservation for WBF; from 100% at 0 – 12 hrs to 75% and 50% at 24 and 36 hrs post preservation respectively for HCT; and from 100% at 0 – 8 hrs to 63%, 38% and 25% at 12, 24 and 36 hrs post preservation for MIT. Increase in pre-patent periods from 3 days to 21 days in mice inoculated at 0 hr & 36 hrs post preservation respectively were observed Significant decrease (P < 0.001) in mean parasitemia of the preserved infected blood samples was noticed at 24 and 36 hours post preservation. The duration of preservation of the infected blood sample statistically correlated with parasitaemia in the preserved blood samples (r = - 0.95; P < 0.05) and with pre-patent period (r = 0.93; P < 0.05) in the inoculated mice.Keywords: Ice pack preservation, Trypanosoma evansi, viability, infectivityNigerian Veterinary Journal, VOL:33 (2) 505-51

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy Analysis of Heavy metals in water at Daura Gypsum Mining Site, Yobe State, Nigeria

This study was designed to detect heavy metals level in water collected from Daura gypsum mining site, Yobe State, Nigeria. Samples were collected and analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. The level of Pb, Ni, Cd, As, Cu and Zn, were assessed. Also the conductivity of the water samples detected using Conductivity meter. The result shows significant level of As at 0.0382 mg/l, Cd at 0.06-0.18 mg/l and 0.9852 mg/l for Ni which exceeded the WHO limit (0.01 mg/l). Cu, Zn, and Pb were detected at 0.95mg/l, 1.77 mg/l and 0.244 mg/l respectively. Cu, Pb, and Zn were found below the WHO, USEPA limits. This may bring kidney related risk to the people over a long period of time, Therefore , incorporation of ion exchange, reverse osmosis or adsorption in water sources will help reduce the heavy metals burden of the public in the area

Knowledge of Nigeria Wildlife Conservation Laws Among Staff of Gashaka Gumti National Park, Nigeria

One of the key resources in effective management of National Parks is the knowledge base of the park staff. There is however little or no documented information about park official’s knowledge of the laws they uphold in Nigeria. This study assessed the knowledge base of Nigeria wildlife laws among park officials in Gashaka Gumti National Park (GGNP), Nigeria. Simple random sampling was used to administer structured questionnaire to 45 staff in the Head Office at Serti (HOS) and 140 staff in Main Park at Gashaka Gumti. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Majority (97.8%) had heard about wildlife laws and 136 (97.1%) understood the contents of the law. Majority 139(99.2%) knew the decree responsible for the establishment of national parks; however, a few could not distinctively identify the activities that constitute offences under this law. Majoriy (118 out of 185) rarely read the law in the park but by practice understood what constitutes offences in the park except for a few. For effective park management, proper orientation, education, training and re-training on the wildlife laws should be organized for the park officials at regular intervals

Design and Performance Evaluation of a Mixed-Mode Solar Crop Dryer

This study is concerned with development and performance evaluation of a mixed-mode solar  yam dryer. It was done to address the problems of uneven drying of product on different trays coordinate position in a typical indirect multiple trays dryer. Solar energy drying system was designed using the meteorological conditions of Zaria, Nigeria to dry yam slices in the mixed-mode natural convection. The dryer was designed to dry (7 kg) of yam slices. The dimensions of the dryer were: collector length, collector area, height of the drying chamber, chimney height, length of the drying chamber, and Width of the drying chamber were 0.65 m, 0.27 m2, 0.9 m, 0.7 m, 0.5 m, and 0.43 m, respectively. The solar yam dryer was exposed to solar radiation from 10:00 am to 06:00 pm and tested without load and with yam chips of 5 mm average thickness. Meteorological conditions were monitored during the dehydration process. The average drying rate, collector efficiency and drying efficiency were 2.55 kg/s, 42.20% and 25.35%, respectively. The results of performance evaluation of the solar dryer showed that the drying rate decreases by 3% and 8% in the second and third trays relative to the first tray. This shows that the drying rates did not vary significantly with the coordinate positions of the trays

Formulation of Paints Using Azo Pyridone Pigments and Alkyd (Soya Beans Oil), Characterisation and Their Application on Leather

The use of locally available raw materials in theformulation of paint is of paramount importance as it providesjob opportunity for poor local people, produce ecofriendly andbiodegradable products as well as substantiates the aspect ofmodern biotechnology in developing countries. In thisresearch,Paints were formulated using azopyridone complexesand soya alkyd derived fromesterification of soya oil with maleicanhydride and glycerol. The formulations were applied onleather using hand brush, and the samples produced weresubsequently, subjected to physical characterisation such asdensity, viscosity, solubility, surface drying times, pH and lightfastness and also compared with the commercial paint. The pHand the fastness property of the coatings were found to be 8 and6-7, respectively, which is very good

Diverse sustainable materials for the treatment of petroleum sludge and remediation of contaminated sites : a review

Activities in the petroleum industry unavoidably generates huge amount of petroleum sludge that contain hazardous constituents. Numerous treatment techniques are proven to reduce toxicity, sludge volume, and extract petroleum products. Their efficiency is determined by the sludge properties. These treatment technologies can lessen the hazardous elements in sludge and alleviate their negative environmental and human health impacts. However, only a few, can strike a compromise between meeting strict environmental regulations and consuming notable quantity of water, energy, and chemicals. Now, there are no waste-free and cost-effective technologies available for petroleum sludge treatment. Therefore, this review was designed to highlight the several waste, plants, and other materials that have been utilized during petroleum sludge or petroleum contaminated site treatment for resource recovery and to ensure environmental safety. The application of various additives to remediate petroleum sludge contaminated areas has been proven to be a practical and environmentally beneficial alternative. The review found that reusing remediated soils for bioremediation activity on soil contaminated with oil sludge was efficient. The review further revealed that phytoremediation by sowing plants in the soil can remarkably boost microorganism's growth and TPH elimination rate. Also, in planted treatments using Zea mays L., Secale cereale L., Festuca arundinacea, Onobrychis viciifolia, Vertiver zizanioide, Cajanus cajan, Medicago sativa, Lolium perenne, Ttrifolium pratense etc. the most probable number were significantly higher than in unplanted treatments. It was also discovered that there is a commercial potential for the use of plants as sources of biosurfactant for use in accelerated TPHs degradation. Biosurfactant supplementation in the phytoremediation of metals and petroleum hydrocarbons co-contaminated soil was effective. The review suggests the use of composite materials for petroleum sludge treatment

Circular economy potential and contributions of petroleum industry sludge utilization to environmental sustainability through engineered processes - a review

The petroleum industry activities unavoidably generate a large quantity of sludge named Petroleum industry sludge (PIS). The generation rate has been increasing because of the ascending energy demand. It is a potential energy resource. PIS has been shown to contain hazardous constituents that may have negative consequences on the environment and public health. Thus, the treatment and disposal of this waste is a global issue. Numerous treatment methods have been demonstrated to reduce sludge volume and toxicity and recover petroleum components. The sludge qualities affect how effective they are. These treatment strategies can reduce the toxic substances in sludge and reduce their detrimental effects on human health and the environment. However, because of the sludge's tenacious character, only a few technologies can meet strict environmental laws while using a sizable amount of water, electricity, and chemicals. PIS treatment methods that are both waste-free and cost-effective are currently unavailable. In terms of environmental engineering significance, this study adopted the systematic review to discuss the waste to resource potential applications of PIS for reusability in sustainable construction, wastewater treatment applications, and gas generation. PIS application ineffective microorganism biofertilizer production, levan production, rubber tires manufacturing, metal catalysts synthesis, carbon–clay composites for use in sensors and electronic devices were also discussed. That is not enough, this review also found that the adoption of the circular economy that represents a new direction to create value and prosperity by elongating product lifespan and moving the waste from the end of the supply chain to the outset is very important. Thus, the circular economy potential of PIS to achieve self-cycle operation through the concept of “wastes-treat-wastes” in the petroleum industry was extensively discussed