| 1 |
Author(s):
Sanusi MUHAMMAD LAWAL, PhD, Atsaktiya DANLADI.
Page No : 1-23
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Rural Transformation and National Development: A Case Study of Hong LGA 2012-2022
Abstract
This research examines rural transformation in Hong Local government and how it affects national development. The objective of the study is to examine how agriculture in Hong impacts national development and to understand the obstacles militating implementation of rural transformation programmes in Hong LGA. The research undertakes a survey research design, utilising both primary and secondary data. General system theory was the theoretical framework of this study which explores development of rural areas and the nation as a complex process that involves many interconnected elements, including economic, social, political, and environmental factors. The findings indicate that rural transformation of Hong local government have impacted national development basically through agriculture and through incentives and awareness, the rural dwellers engage in modernised farming which has increased yield in the local government. Agriculture has seen the most improvement due to rural transformation efforts and this has reduced poverty rate and provided employment opportunities which has made most youths independent. Despite the efforts made by the government, Hong Local Government’s rural dwellers are unsatisfied with government efforts in promoting rural transformation. This study conclusively establishes that rural transformation in Hong maintains a direct and substantial relationship with national development. This correlation manifests through various socioeconomic indicators and demonstrates how rural advancement contributes to the broader national agenda. It is recommended that government at both federal, state and local government levels should increase its direct involvement in rural transformation, rural infrastructural development and agriculture should be prioritised and Public and Private partnerships should be strengthened where there will be a formal framework for collaboration between Government agencies, NGOs and development partners, Private sector stakeholders and Community leaders.
Key Words: Rural Area, Rural Transformation, Agriculture, National Development.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Ntagu, Miracle Promise, Caroline Obiageli Emeka-Ogbonna.
Page No : 20-30
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The Strategic Role of Great Powers in Intergovernmental Organizations: An Assessment of China in the South China Sea
Abstract
This paper critically examines the strategic role of China as a great power within intergovernmental organisations (IGOs), with particular emphasis on its interaction with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Drawing exclusively on secondary sources, the study utilises a qualitative content analysis of policy documents, academic literature, and online reports to assess China's influence on ASEAN's cohesion, decision-making processes, and regional integration efforts. Recognising China's emergence as a significant power in Asia, the article delves into how China’s interactions, as interpreted through a neorealist lens, have shaped ASEAN's internal dynamics. While China's contributions, particularly in infrastructure, have been instrumental in fostering development, for instance, supporting hydropower expansion in some ASEAN nations, its more assertive actions, notably concerning the South China Sea disputes, have simultaneously generated considerable geopolitical strain. This dual impact, contributing to development while also creating fragmentation, highlights the complex nature of China's influence on ASEAN’s cohesion and its decision-making processes. The paper concludes by highlighting the strategic implications of China's role for the future of regional governance in Southeast Asia.
Keywords: Intergovernmental Organisations, Neorealism, Great Powers, Regional Integration, South China Sea, Belt and Road Initiative
| 3 |
Author(s):
Caroline OBIAGELI EMEKA-OGBONNA, PhD, Ntagu MIRACLE PROMISE.
Page No : 24-37
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The Strategic Role of Great Powers in Intergovernmental Organizations: An Assessment of China in the South China Sea
Abstract
This paper critically examines the strategic role of China as a great power within intergovernmental organisations (IGOs), with particular emphasis on its interaction with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Drawing exclusively on secondary sources, the study utilises a qualitative content analysis of policy documents, academic literature, and online reports to assess China's influence on ASEAN's cohesion, decision-making processes, and regional integration efforts. Recognising China's emergence as a significant power in Asia, the article delves into how China’s interactions, as interpreted through a neorealist lens, have shaped ASEAN's internal dynamics. While China's contributions, particularly in infrastructure, have been instrumental in fostering development, for instance, supporting hydropower expansion in some ASEAN nations, its more assertive actions, notably concerning the South China Sea disputes, have simultaneously generated considerable geopolitical strain. This dual impact, contributing to development while also creating fragmentation, highlights the complex nature of China's influence on ASEAN’s cohesion and its decision-making processes. The paper concludes by highlighting the strategic implications of China's role for the future of regional governance in Southeast Asia.
Keywords: Intergovernmental Organisations, Neorealism, Great Powers, Regional Integration, South China Sea, Belt and Road Initiative
| 4 |
Author(s):
Paul ANDREW KUMSAT, Mallai KAFAS JOSIAH.
Page No : 38-49
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Defence Economics and Military Spending: Implications for Economic Growth in Peaceful and Conflict-Affected States
Abstract
This study examines the relationship between defence economics, military spending, and economic growth in peaceful and conflict-affected states. Using a qualitative meta-review and thematic synthesis of existing empirical literature, it explores how military expenditure influences Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth and other key variables such as innovation and education, as categorized by the Global Peace Index. The analysis reveals that military spending has a minimal or neutral effect on economic growth in peaceful countries, often benefiting from technological spillovers and innovation. In contrast, military expenditure significantly hampers growth in conflict-affected states by diverting resources from productive sectors such as education and infrastructure. The study also finds a unidirectional causality running from economic growth to defence spending rather than the reverse. These findings suggest that increasing military budgets may not be conducive to economic development in conflict-prone countries like Nigeria, and that reallocating funds toward social and economic programs could yield better growth outcomes.
Keywords: Defence Economics, Military Spending, Economic Growth, Peaceful States, Conflict-Affected States
| 5 |
Author(s):
Maikudi Bala, Danladi HUSSAINI, PhD, Umar DAUDA USMAN, PhD.
Page No : 50-66
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Motivation and Organizational Performance in Taraba State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security Jalingo, Nigeria
Abstract
Motivation directs, focuses, and sustains our efforts towards achieving desired outcomes, whether in personal life, education, or the workplace. This paper evaluate the impact of employee motivation on organizational performance in the Taraba State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Jalingo, Nigeria. The research is grounded in the assumption that staff motivation plays a pivotal role in enhancing productivity and institutional effectiveness, particularly in public sector organizations with a focus on understanding the strategies such as allowances, recognition, promotion and job security that influence employee motivation and its impact on achieving organizational success. Underpinned by Vroom’s Expectancy Theory and empirical evidence, the study sheds light on the significance of cultivating employee motivation to enhance organizational performance. The research contributes to the field of Human Resource Management by offering practical recommendations to foster employee motivation and drive organizational success. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach, combining a structured survey questionnaire to 248 staff of the ministry to collect quantitative data and in-depth interviews to gather qualitative insights. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and hypothesis testing using one-way ANOVA. The findings provide actionable insights for the Taraba State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security Jalingo, especially and the public sector organizations to optimize their performance through effective employee motivation strategies to enhance employees productivity and organizational performance. This study contributes to the existing literatures on motivation and organizational performance in the public sector, providing insights into the specific factors influencing employee motivation in the Ministry of Agriculture. The findings can inform policy decisions in public sector and management practices to improve organizational effectiveness.
| 6 |
Author(s):
Sharaff HAMZA MAI-ULU, Danladi HUSSAINI, Abubakar ABDULLAHI.
Page No : 67-79
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Effect of the 2024 Electricity Tariff Hike on Household Income and Expenditure: A Study of Selected Wards in Jalingo Local Government Area, Taraba State
Abstract
The hike in electricity tariffs has emerged as a significant concern in Nigeria, eliciting widespread reactions from citizens, businesses, and policymakers alike. This study investigates the implications of rising electricity tariffs on household income and expenditure in Jalingo. Anchored in Public Choice Theory, the research adopts a descriptive survey design with a mixed methods approach to capture both quantitative and qualitative dimensions of the issue. A total of 354 respondents were sampled from a population of 249,766 across ten wards using structured questionnaires and key informant interviews. Hypotheses was tested using the chi-square statistical technique. The findings reveal that electricity tariff hikes significantly strain household budgets and compel residents to adopt alternative energy sources or reduce consumption. These dynamics underscore the need for more inclusive policy dialogue and a balanced tariff structure that supports economic resilience while addressing the operational needs of utility providers. The study contributes to ongoing discussions on energy policy reform by highlighting the lived experiences of communities at the local level.
| 7 |
Author(s):
Elizabeth A. BATURE, Yusuf MBAKA ADAMU.
Page No : 80-98
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Poverty and Human Security in Nigeria: A Study of Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State
Abstract
This qualitative study examines the intricate relationship between poverty and human security, exploring how economic deprivation undermines multiple dimensions of individual and community well-being. Through secondary sources of data, this paper investigates how poverty creates cascading vulnerabilities that threaten personal safety, health, education, and social cohesion within affected communities. The study employed a phenomenological approach to understand lived experiences of poverty and its impact on human security from the perspectives of individuals and households facing economic hardship. Thematic analysis revealed five primary ways poverty compromises human security: inadequate access to healthcare and nutrition, limited educational opportunities, increased exposure to violence and crime, social exclusion and marginalization, and reduced capacity to cope with environmental and economic shocks. Findings demonstrate that poverty operates as a multifaceted threat multiplier, creating interconnected vulnerabilities that extend beyond material deprivation to encompass psychological, social, and political insecurities. Financial constraints forced difficult trade-offs between basic needs, perpetuating cycles of vulnerability. The paper highlights the importance of addressing poverty through comprehensive human security frameworks that recognize its multidimensional nature. These insights contribute to policy discussions on poverty alleviation strategies and underscore the need for integrated approaches that address both immediate needs and structural inequalities to enhance human security for vulnerable populations.
Keywords: Poverty, Human security, Security threat, Financial constraints
| 8 |
Author(s):
Ifeze HENRY CHINEDU.
Page No : 99-106
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Early Warning Systems and Grassroots Peacebuilding: A Critical Assessment in Conflict-Prone Nigerian Communities
Abstract
This article critically examines the relationship between early warning systems (EWS) and grassroots peacebuilding across conflict-prone communities in Nigeria. Using a mixed-methods critical review of the literature, project evaluations and NGO/government reports, the study synthesizes Nigeria-wide evidence on community-based EWS, identifies strengths and persistent gaps, and assesses how grassroots peace actors translate early warnings into preventative action. Findings indicate that community-level monitoring and civil-society EWS platforms contribute significantly to conflict prevention when integrated with state and regional mechanisms; however, challenges—such as weak coordination with formal institutions, resource constraints, politicization of warning information, and limited inclusion of women and youth—undermine effectiveness. The paper concludes with policy and operational recommendations to strengthen linkages between EWS and grassroots peacebuilding, and suggests avenues for empirical research to evaluate outcomes over time.
Keywords: early warning systems; grassroots peacebuilding; Nigeria; community-based monitoring; conflict prevention.
| 9 |
Author(s):
Emmanuel ELIJAH, Samuel AKOR ADAMA, Abdullahi MUSA AHMED, Owhos EMMANUEL OCHUKO.
Page No : 107-122
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Assessing the Role of the Nigerian Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution on Nigeria’s Foreign Policy Process: A Critical Examination of Challenges and Opportunities
Abstract
This study examines the Nigerian Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (NIPCR) and the role they play in shaping the foreign policy process of Nigeria, as well as explore the enormous contribution they have made especially in the area of training, conflict resolution, diplomatic engagements, and regional leadership. While relying on Liberal Peace Theory, including data from renowned secondary sources such as, reports from NIPCR online database, scholarly articles and policy documents, the study highlighted a disconnect between NIPCR’s domestic initiatives and Nigeria’s foreign policy goals. As per findings from the study, the institute still faces challenges in different front, prominent among which are, poor funding, undue political influence, limited integration into foreign policy formulation, and over prioritization of domestic conflicts. Consequently, the study recommends that the government should strengthen policy integration mechanisms in the institute; increase its annual budgetary allocation, safeguard institutional autonomy and balance domestic and international priorities. The study stressed the need for policy makers to consider these recommendations, so that Nigeria can better align its peace building efforts with its foreign policy ambitions, thereby, reinforcing its role as a regional peacemaker.
Keywords: Conflict Resolution, Foreign Policy, Nigerian, NIPCR, and Liberal Peace Theory.
| 10 |
Author(s):
Abdullahi MUSA AHMED, Emmanuel ELIJAH, Muawiya KABIR KURFI, Tijani NUHU BABAJO.
Page No : 123-147
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Alliance of Sahel States Exit from ECOWAS: An Analysis of the Security Implications on Nigeria’s Regional Leadership Role
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the security implications for Nigeria's position as regional leader by examining the factors that led to the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and the subsequent withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Political instability, poverty, security risks, economic disparity, and corruption in these three West African countries have all contributed to recent events that have put Nigeria's standing within the regional organization in jeopardy. The analytical foundation for this paper is hegemonic theory, also, the study used secondary data. As a result of a series of diplomatic missteps, sanctions, and a decline in confidence among regional leaders, as well as a decline in trust between these nations and former colonial powers, particularly France, which has caused strained diplomatic ties, the study's findings show that the split between ECOWAS and AES is not a singular event. According to the study's findings, Nigeria may face serious security risks if AES leaves ECOWAS, especially with regard to border security and cooperative counterterrorism initiatives. This could result in a security void that could worsen the country's problems and cause serious humanitarian problems. In order to preserve its position as the leader of ECOWAS and West Africa, the study recommended that Nigeria address its internal issues through improved diplomatic relations and collaboration with other members on security and economic issues. It also suggests encouraging good governance and accountability to prevent further military takeovers.
Keywords: AES, ECOWAS, Security, Hegemonic Theory, Nigeria’s Leadership role.
| 11 |
Author(s):
Isah MOHAMMED IDRIS.
Page No : 148-166
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Assessing Anti-Money Laundering Efforts in Nigeria During Buhari’s Administration: Challenges and Prospects.
Abstract
This study critically examines Nigeria's anti-money laundering (AML) reforms under President Buhari's administration, focusing on institutional enforcement, political selectivity, global partnerships, and terrorism financing. Unlike earlier works that emphasize reform rhetoric or Nigeria's Financial Action Task Force (FATF) compliance, this research advances literature by revealing the gap between global AML frameworks and their practical domestic application in weak institutional contexts. The objectives of the study were fourfold: to evaluate the effectiveness of Buhari's AML reforms, interrogate the impact of political interference, assess the depth of Nigeria's regional and international AML collaborations, and analyze the extent to which reforms constrained terrorism financing. The research problem stems from the persistence of illicit financial flows and insurgent financing despite intensified reforms, reflecting contradictions between international compliance narratives and local realities. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining qualitative analysis of policy documents with critical discourse analysis, guided by Routine Activity Theory and Securitisation Theory. The findings identify weak institutional enforcement despite enhanced surveillance, showing that reforms lacked capable guardianship. The second highlights selective prosecutions, which eroded institutional legitimacy. The study recommended strengthened institutional guardianship through depoliticised enforcement, and design AML frameworks that integrate Nigeria's informal economic realities.
Keywords: Anti-Money Laundering, Buhari Administration, Routine Activity Theory, Securitisation Theory, Terrorism Financing
| 12 |
Author(s):
Aisha MOHAMMED BWARI, Badamasi SAIDU.
Page No : 167-191
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Intelligence Gathering in the 21st Century: An Assessment of the Impact of Foreign Languages on the Nigerian Armed Forces Operation
Abstract
This research paper analyses the Importance of Foreign Languages to the Nigerian Armed Forces in Intelligence Gathering: A Focus on Arabic and French. The Research design for our study is a Case-study in which we are carrying out an enquiry on the field of the military profession and their use of Foreign Languages for the purpose of gathering Intelligence Nigerian Army, Navy and Air force and their Intelligence Corps as our Sample. Even though the study attempted to answer the question the seriousness of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the entire Nigerian educational system on its porous language policy. It recommends that the federal government should implement the provisions of the existing policy on Foreign languages, and that Arabic and French should be taught as compulsory subjects in the Nigerian Military School Zaria, the Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna, the Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji and the National Defence College Abuja for effective intelligence gathering.
Keywords: Intelligence, Foreign Language, Military, Defence
| 13 |
Author(s):
Ja’afar ABDULKADIR, Bilkisu SANI YERO , Kamaludeen SHEHU .
Page No : 192-211
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Community Perspectives on the Underlying Factors and Socio-Economic Effects of Kidnapping Incidents in Kaduna State
Abstract
The research work was carried out on the Public Perception of the Causes and Socio-Economic Implication of Kidnapping and Hostage Taking in Kaduna State. The study used both quantitative and qualitative tools to collect the relevant data. However the research administered a total of four hundred questionnaires but three hundred and ninety seven were retrieved and analysed. The findings show that kidnapping cases has almost been reported in all the three senatorial districts in the State in which 73.3% of the respondent said they are aware about the cases of kidnapping within their areas. It was suggested that government needs to re-equipped and re-strategize its security architecture so as to have military might to fight the kidnappers also jobs opportunities should be provided to avoid youth idleness that is tactical to worsening insecurity. The research concluded that the scourge of kidnapping and hostage taking in Kaduna State has little to do with political gain, the main motive is economic gain by way of ransom payment. The study noted that kidnapping is not only a threat to life but a big disincentive to Kaduna State’s domestic and foreign direct investment drive.
Keywords: Community, Perception, Socio-Economic Effect, Kidnapping, Incidents
