IMPLEMENTING AFRICAN UNION CHARTER AND POVERTY REDUCTION IN NIGERIA

Christie, O. O
Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences,
University of Jos, Jos.
Email: okoyechristie@yahoo.com

Abstract:

The paper examines the implementation of African Union (A.U) Charter and its effects on poverty reduction in Nigeria. One of the aims of African Union is to coordinate efforts for the purpose of achieving “better life and higher standard of living” for the purpose
of Africa. The main reason behind this was to make sure that poverty is reduced to the barest minimum and people of Nigerian state enjoy better life and good governance. However, till
date, reducing poverty is the greatest challenge facing Nigeria as a country. Despite various efforts made, millions of people still struggle in absolute poverty. This becomes a problem
and hence the study. The paper argues that the implementation of A.U. Charter, in the area of achieving better life and higher standards of living has not been effective. It examines in
details the aspect of the Charter that deals with “better life and higher standard of living”. It also examines NEPAD, MDGs and NEEDS as programmes used by A.U. to achieve the
objective of poverty reduction. Theoretical postulations on the right approach to poverty alleviation were examined. Data collected through secondary sources were critically analyzed
and findings show that Charter defect, corrupt practices, bad governance, poor economic policies, lack of commitment to poverty reduction programmes in Nigeria are major causes
of sustained poverty. The paper therefore made appropriate recommendations, based on the above findings. Among them are effective monitoring of implementation of A.U. Charter,
reduction of corrupt practices, commitment to implementing poverty eradication programmes and formulation of implementable economic policies in Nigeria.