Micro-Savings and Poverty Reduction in Nigeria: Some Field Observations from Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State

This study had the objective of investigating issues relating to micro-saving and how it can be employed to reduce poverty in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria.  A field survey was conducted in which primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire.  A total of 102 micro-saving cooperative members were interviewed.  Based on descriptive statistics tools of percentages and simple averages, the study reveals that micro-saving is a veritable source of raising funds for investment. Also, lack of access to formal financial institution makes people to patronize micro-savings in Gokana LGA. Again, respondents engaged in micro-savings for emergencies and unexpected investment purposes while cultural obligations induce respondents to engage in micro-saving and more. It is therefore suggested that an enabling macroeconomic environment be given to informal financial sector of Nigeria. This can be achieved by encouraging members of the micro-saving cooperatives to register at least at the local government council to promote assistants from the government on their operations. Keywords: Gokana, Micro-Savings and Poverty Reductio

ECONOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF FISCAL POLICY VARIABLES ON NIGERIA'S ECONOMIC GROWTH (1970 -2009)

ABSTRAC

Econometric Modeling: An Application to the Demand for Electricity in Nigeria

This study investigates the nature of the demand for electricity in Nigeria using recent development in the cointegration theory. The empirical results show an inverse relationship between real appliance purchase price, the real per capita income and the demand for electricity. Also the rate of population growth rate as a proxy for electricity consumers appears to be insignificant. This reveals the clear fact that the demand for electricity is greater than its supply in Nigeria.LWATI: A Journal of Contemporary Research, 8(2), 209-221, 201