Privatization of Public Enterprises in Nigeria: Critical Success Factors

The persistent quest for social-economic development across the nations of the world occasioned the establishment of public enterprises and subsequent privatization policies/programmes. Countries of Africa, especially Nigeria, established large scale public enterprises with the intention of engendering and pursuing social equity among the populace.  Regrettably however, the public hope and expectations from public enterprises were dashed as the operations of these public enterprises were brazenly characterized with inefficiency, massive corruption, ineptitude, nepotism and gross mismanagement leading  to, not only the collapse of public enterprises, but also to a paradigmatic change of approach to national socio-economic development. Consequently, privatization policy was introduced with the promulgation of Decree No. 25 of 1988 by the then Federal Military Government of Nigeria. The issue of privatization, till date, has remained controversial as it has generated (and it is still generating) a seemingly endless debate among Nigerians. Regardless of the ongoing debate and controversy, government has forged ahead in its privatization exercise. It is against this backdrop that this paper examined the privatization of public enterprises for national development. The paper also traced the evolution of public enterprises, its justification and consequential failure. Furthermore, the paper explored privatization in Nigeria, its implications on economic growth and development as well as the critical success factors of privatization. The paper concluded that privatization of public enterprises is good for our national development if the critical success factors like putting in place proper and implementable regulatory framework, adequate public education, taking cognizance of the interest of the poor, effective monitoring and evaluation, transparency, and accountability (among others) are implemented. Thereafter, the economic objective of harnessing and distributing material resources of the nation to serve the common good (as stated in Section 16, sub-section 2(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999) would have been achieved. Keywords: Public Enterprises, Privatization, Socio-Economic Development, Policies/ Programs, Corruption, Transparency and Accountabilit

Effective Usage of Information and Communications Technology by Career Administrators in Tertiary Institutions: The Obafemi Awolowo University Experience

The study identified the information and communication technology tools used by career administrators in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife; determined the level of ICT compliance in the performance of administrative tasks by the career administrators in the said institution; examined the attitude of the respondents to the adoption and use of information and communication technologies in performing administrative tasks; and identified the challenges militating against the optimum deployment of information and communication technologies by career administrators in the institution under reference. These were with the view to understanding the use of information and communication technologies by professional or career Administrators in the study area. Both primary and secondary data sources of data collection were employed for the study. The former were obtained through a structured questionnaire and complemented by an interview guide. Out of a study population of 109, 85 respondents were selected by a simple random technique. Secondary data were obtained from relevant university books and digests, previously published and unpublished studies related to the use of ICT in different sectors of national life, official documents and internet sources on ICT. Data collected were analyzed using simple percentages. The study showed that access to basic ICT hardware such as desktop computers (85.8%) and printers (77.6%) in the workplace was fairly adequate, though, usage had to be negotiated in some instances. 92.9% of the respondents were able to use Microsoft Word and 5% were able to use Microsoft Access, while only 1.2% each were able to deploy the use of Prezi and Evernote in providing administrative services. The study also revealed that the major challenges militating against the maximal deployment of ICT tools by the respondents are epileptic power supply, unstable internet connectivity and the need to have to negotiate with other users of ICT hardware such as desktop, laptops and scanners in the workplace, before gaining access to such tools. The study concluded that information and communication technologies have been widely embraced by career Administrators in the University and this has to a large extent improved effectiveness, accuracy and efficiency in the area of service delivery. However, there was need for further training especially with regards to the use of some software with advanced features in Microsoft Word as well as Power Point, Prezi, Evernote, and Microsoft Access for improved administrative services in the University. Keywords: Information and Communications Technology; Higher Education Administration, Career Administrators, Prezi, Evernote DOI: 10.7176/JESD/10-16-21 Publication date: August 31st 201

Poverty Alleviation Programmes for Women in Lagos State, Nigeria: An Examination of the Implementation Strategies

The study examined the programmes of poverty alleviation and women empowerment in Lagos State; and evaluated the poverty alleviation implementation strategies in Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. Primary data were collected through the administration of questionnaire and conduct of in-depth interviews. The study population of 55,011 comprised staff and beneficiaries of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (MWAPA). These included 162 staff and 54,849 beneficiaries according to the directories of the Ministry. Two-stage sampling technique was utilized. A sample size of eighty-one (81) respondents  (representing 50%  of the staff of the Ministry) while four hundred (400) beneficiaries of the Ministry that had benefited from the Ministry were sampled using Taro Yamane formula. In addition, in-depth structured interviews were conducted with 10 members of staff who were directly involved in skill acquisition programmes on programme performance and challenges facing the Ministry at reducing poverty in Lagos State. These included the Honourable Commissioner of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation; the Permanent Secretary; four Heads of Department (Women Department, Women Development Centre, the Planning, Research and Statistics Department, and Poverty department), and the assistant heads of the four departments mentioned while 10 beneficiaries were interviewed on programme performance and benefits derived from the Ministry. Data collected were analysed using percentage, mean, standard deviation, and relative impact index. The result showed that the strategies adopted by WAPA was that they monitor and follow-up beneficiaries regularly for effective performance (96.2%); the resources made available by Government in terms of human, financial and material are adequate for the smooth running of the programme (56.5%); Government adequately finances the procurement of tools and materials for the beneficiaries (78.2%); beneficiaries are given adequate vocational skills, training, and other WAPA programmes necessary before graduating(52.2%); entrepreneurship development programmes are regularly organised for the beneficiaries(39.1%); and is regular monitoring/follow-up by the WAPA officials(34.8%). The study concluded that the programmes of the Ministry of women affairs and poverty alleviation on poverty reduction and empowerment of women in Lagos State had been fairly successful. Key Words: Gender, Gender equality, Gender equity, Poverty, Poverty alleviation. DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/9-18-14 Publication date:September 30th 201

Financing Housing Services Delivery and Its Challenges in Nigeria

Financing of housing delivery by government is a pivot to sustaining development. Housing by nature has become an economic tool fostering Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of developed countries like Britain and United States of America. In Nigeria, housing finance suffered shortage of funds; corruption, low number of committed financial institutions, and the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) has not made it easy for other institutions to access funds. This paper examined the role of government in financing housing and the challenges associated with it. It discovered that the finance system used by government has not been effective, and there is politicisation of governmental activities. The paper concluded by recommending ways of addressing the challenges encountered in the process such as creating enabling environment for investors, provision of necessary funds for housing and promoting housing business to mention a few. Keywords: Housing Finance, Government, Finance, National Housing Policy, Housing Finance Syste

National Civil Aviation Policy Implementation in Nigeria: An Empirical Study

The study examined the various programmes put in place by the Ministry of Aviation towards the implementation of government policy on civil aviation and assessed the extent of implementation of the national civil aviation policy in line with the set goals and objectives in Southwestern Nigeria. The study utilized primary and secondary sources of data. Primary data were collected through the administration of questionnaire and conduct of in-depth interviews. In all, 193 copies of questionnaire were administered to the staff of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA); Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN); Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) in the three selected States (Lagos, Oyo and Ondo) of Southwestern Nigeria. In-depth interviews were conducted on eight Directors in the four aviation agencies to complement data obtained through questionnaire. Secondary data were sourced from books, official publications, academic journals, newspapers, magazines and internet materials. Data collected were analysed using simple percentages, frequency counts, mean values, and rank. The results showed that adequate personnel training (84%) and the development of institutional infrastructures for aviation agencies (76%) were programmes put in place by the Ministry of Aviation towards the implementation of civil aviation policy. On the extent of implementation, the study however revealed that, technical personnel were not adequately trained for professionalism and efficiency in air operations (with a mean value of 3.582) and all necessary equipment, technologies and institutional infrastructures were inadequately provided to civil aviation departments and agencies to prevent and counter new and emerging threats (with a mean value of 3.144). The study concluded that government policy on civil aviation in Southwestern had been poorly implemented to date. Keywords: Assessment, Trade Development, Implementation, Government  Policy, Civil Aviation DOI: 10.7176/JLPG/88-26 Publication date: August 31st 201

An Assessment of the Factors Responsible for Flooding in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria

This study examined factors responsible for flooding in Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria. Data for the study were obtained through questionnaire administered on residents in flood prone areas of the metropolis. These were residential areas within less than 15m, between 16-30m and within 31-45m to major rivers in Ibadan metropolis. In each of these strata, there were 327,219 and 189, residential buildings. Twenty percent (20%) of the buildings was systematically selected for survey in each stratum out of which 11.7% of  buildings in less than 15m to the river had incidence of flooding, 8.8% and 1.4% of buildings within  15-30m and 31-45m respectively had been flooded at one time or the other. Residents attributed causes of flood in the metropolis to one or more factors. It was established that indiscriminate dumping of waste was the major cause of flooding in Ibadan metropolis (33.2%). Other causal factors were poor channelization (29.4%), flood plain encroachment (19%), and Pave surface (13.2%). Only excessive rainfall (5.3%) while clearing of drainage (36.4%) was the major actions of the residents toward reducing flooding in the area. The study concluded that various factors were responsible for flooding in Ibadan and strategies to reduce this menace must address each of the factors. Keywords: Flood, Disasters, Waste, Drainage, Environment.

Evaluation of Efflux-Mediated Resistance and Biofilm Formation in Virulent Pseudomonas aeruginosa Associated with Healthcare Infections

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a significant pathogen identified with healthcare-associated infections. The present study evaluates the role of biofilm and efflux pump activities in influencing high-level resistance in virulent P. aeruginosa strains in clinical infection. Phenotypic resistance in biotyped Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 147) from diagnosed disease conditions was classified based on multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) indices and analysed with logistic regression for risk factors. Efflux pump activity, biofilm formation, and virulence factors were analysed for optimal association in Pseudomonas infection using receiver operation characteristics (ROC). Agespecificity (OR [CI] = 0.986 [0.946–1.027]), gender (OR [CI] = 1.44 [0.211–9.827]) and infection sources (OR [CI] = 0.860 [0.438–1.688]) were risk variables for multidrug resistance (MDR)-P. aeruginosa infection (p < 0.05). Biofilm formers caused 48.2% and 18.5% otorrhea and wound infections (95% CI = 0.820–1.032; p = 0.001) respectively and more than 30% multidrug resistance (MDR) strains demonstrated high-level efflux pump activity (95% CI = 0.762–1.016; p = 0.001), protease (95% CI = 0.112–0.480; p = 0.003), lipase (95% CI = 0.143–0.523; p = 0.001), and hemolysin (95% CI = 1.109–1.780; p = 0.001). Resistance relatedness of more than 80% and 60% to cell wall biosynthesis inhibitors (ceftazidime, ceffproxil, augumentin, ampicillin) and, DNA translational and transcriptional inhibitors (gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, nitrofurantoin) were observed (p < 0.05). Strong efflux correlation (r = 0.85, p = 0.034) with MDR strains, with high predictive performances in efflux pump activity (ROC-AUC 0.78), biofilm formation (ROC-AUC 0.520), and virulence hierarchical-clustering. Combine activities of the expressed efflux pump and biofilm formation in MDR-P. aeruginosa pose risk to clinical management and infection control

Analysis of the variability of airborne particulate matter with prevailing meteorological conditions across a semi-urban environment using a network of low-cost air quality sensors.

The concentrations of fine and coarse fractions of airborne particulate matter (PM) and meteorological variables (wind speed, wind direction, temperature and relative humidity) were measured at six selected locations in Ile Ife, a prominent university town in Nigeria using a network of low-cost air quality (AQ) sensor units. The objective of the deployment was to collate baseline air quality data and assess the impact of prevailing meteorological conditions on PM concentrations in selected residential communities downwind of an iron smelting facility. The raw data obtained from OPC-N2 of the AQ sensor units was corrected using the RH correction factor developed based k-Kohler theory. This PM (corrected) fast time resolution data (20 s) from the AQ sensor units were used to create daily averages. The overall mean mass concentrations for PM2.5 and PM10 were 213.3, 44.1, 23.8, 27.7, 20.2 and 41.5 μg/m3 and; 439.9, 107.1, 55.0, 72.4, 45.5 and 112.0 μg/m3 for Fasina (Iron-Steel Smelting Factory, ISSF), Modomo, Eleweran, Fire Service, O.A.U. staff quarters and Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching and Research Farm (OAUTRF), respectively. PM concentration and wind speed showed a negative exponential distribution curve with the lowest exponential fit coefficient of determination (R2) values of 0.08 for PM2.5 and 0.03 for PM10 during nighttime periods at Eleweran and Fire service sites, respectively. The relationship between PM concentration and temperature gave a decay curve indicating that higher PM concentrations were observed at lower temperatures. The exponential distribution curve for the relationship between PM concentration and relative humidity (RH) showed that PM concentrations do not vary for RH 80 % for both day and nighttime. The performances of the MLR model were slightly poor and as such not too reliable for predicting the concentration but useful for improving predictive model accuracy when other variables contributing to the variability of PM is considered. The study concluded that the anthropogenic and industrial activities at the smelting factory contribute significantly to the elevated PM mass concentration measured at the study locations

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London