FEDERAL CHARACTER PRINCIPLE AND NIGERIAN FEDERALISM: AN OVERVIEW

Francis Nnaemeka Mbuba

Department Of Public Administration

Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Igbariam Campus

A REVIEW OF THE ETHICAL AND SOCIAL PROBLEMS OF POVERTY AND OVERPOPULATION IN NIGERIA: THE WAY FORWARD

Phillips Olubiyi

General Studies Department,

Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract: Economists, demographers and other social scientists have long explored the relationship between population growth and economic development. General consensus has arisen in recent years that better economic opportunities for individuals typically leads to lower birth rates. However, there is far less consensus on the proposal that lower birth rates lead to economic growth and allow individuals and communities to avoid poverty. This paper reviews recent developments in population change and economic growth in Nigeria, and argues that the countries representing the last development frontier, especially those within the Sub-Saharan Africa, will be better off to implement policies and initiatives that helps minimize high levels of poverty. The level of poverty remains unsustainable for Nigeria with vast wealth and a large population. Nigeria’s population growth rate has been higher than the rate her economic growth, leading to a steady rise in poverty. Nearly half the population lives below the international poverty line of ($2 per day). The main objective of this paper is to identify some of the main factors responsible for rising poverty in Nigeria and to provide practical solutions that could lift the country out of its current abysmal poverty level. Therefore in light of this background analysis, this paper critically examines the prospects of achieving a significant reduction in Nigeria’s poverty and population profile through the policy harmonization of all poverty alleviation programs and effective implementation in Nigeria.

Keywords: Challenges of Poverty in Nigeria, Poverty Alleviation programs in Nigeria, Effective implementation of policies.