Assessing the Implementation of the Deregulation Policy of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) (2003 – 2012)

The Nigerian oil and gas sector plays avery dominant role in the nation’s economy with over 90% in 2011 and 98% in 2012 of the nation’s foreign exchange earnings (Ibanga, 2011; CBN, 2012). About 36 Billion barrels of crude oil reserve and 19.2 Billion cubic meters of natural gas is deposited in the country. This paperassesses the implementation of the deregulation policy in Nigeria (2003-2012),with a focus on the Nigerian NationalPetroleum Corporation (NNPC). The study used informed knowledge in providing analysis for the study. The study found out that the two major challenges inhibiting the implementation of the deregulation policy by NNPC are, price control, and effect of global market. The study recommended among others that, for Nigeria to realize its potential and reap the benefits of deregulating the sector, the NNPC must tailor the implementation of the policy in a manner that will take cognizance of the socioeconomic challenges facing Nigerians by recognizing and engaging community help services in communities where exploration takes place

Factors limiting the gains of MDGs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: KEY DETERMINANT AND PITFALLS FOR FRAGILE STATES

The Human Development Index in 2013 ranked Democratic Republic of the Congo 186th out of 187 in the United Nations Development Programme. The categorization came as a result of the deteriorating conflict that pushed the country towards a failed state realm. According to the 2015 Fragility Index of thePeaceFund, Democratic Republic of the Congo was among the nations ranked on the high alert (highly vulnerable andvolatile),  consequently to as a result of non-provision of basic services. In addition to the deteriorating growth and development trajectory, infrastructural and systems failures have unabatedly limited service provision, resulting in inadequacies in humanitarian interventions. The study aims to evaluate the gains of MDGs in Democratic Republic of the Congo, taking into cognizance key deliverables, pitfalls, and prospects for development in fragile states. The study uses thematic reviews cushioned with elements of quantitative approach in providing answers to the study. On surface value, the study shows that 72% of rural households live in abject poverty. Additionally, more than 40% of children in rural areas suffer from chronic malnutrition, hunger and squalor. The study contends that without sustainable public institutions, systems and structure in the administration of services, DRC could likely remain in unending retrogression