Journal of Public Administration, Policy and Governance Research

Human Resource Management and Service Delivery in Federal Ministry of Finance, Abuja

Samari Tijjani SULEIMAN — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study aims to provide insight into human resource management with focus on Federal Ministry of Finance, Abuja. As a descriptive research, the study relied on secondary sources of data and adopted contents analysis of available literature. Findings revealed among others that although the Ministry of Finance follows formal recruitment procedures, there are challenges related to the transparency and fairness of these processes. In addition, employee engagement levels at the ministry are relatively low, primarily due to inadequate recognition and reward systems. The study therefore recommends among others that recruitment process in the Federal Ministry of Finance should be transparent in order to comply with international best practices and also, outstanding performances in the ministry should not only be recognized but rewarded in order to motivate employees for greater performance, productivity and service delivery.

Ethnicity, Religion and Party Politics in Nigeria: An Evaluation of the 2023 General Elections

T. Abumbe Gabriel, J. Atai Anietie — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Since the reintroduction of multiparty democracy in Nigeria in 1999, ethnicity and religion are arguably the most profoundly complex issues that have influenced the electioneering process in the country. This study therefore seeks to find out the extent to which these twin factors influenced the 2023 general elections. It is methodologically structured using qualitative and quantitative methods. Both methods draw their information and data from secondary sources- textbooks, journal articles, publications from international institution, INEC portal, newspapers and internet sources. These were presented in tabular form and analyzed using simple percentages, described and explained within the context of the subject matter under investigations. Discussions were focused under four political parties; APC, PDP, LP and NNPP. In making this choice, the paper recognized the importance of the mandatory 25% constitutional provision as a condition for the declaration of the winner of any presidential elections in the country. The results reveal that ethnicity and religious factors played a role in the voting patterns of Nigerians in certain areas, but the eventual outcome was determined by non-compliance of INEC with electoral laws, weaknesses in opposition parties and the politicization of the judiciary. Therefore, it recommended that unless these anomalies are strengthened, future presidential elections will continue to be mirage.

A Review of Methodological Crisis and Challenges of Research in Industrial Sociology and Related Social Sciences

Dorn Cklaimz Enamhe, Victoria A. Bassey — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study presented research as the way of arriving at dependable knowledge to grow the subfield of Industrial Sociology in the Sociology family. It highlighted scientific methods and its steps, as well as research designs useful and common in Industrial Sociology and Social Science as a whole, such as: action, longitudinal, casual, experimental, historical, case study archieval, observational, cohort, meta-analysis, etc. Major issues of methodological crisis were discussed in terms of variability of Human Nature, choice of design and methods, ability to conceptualize, quantify and avoid biases. It was concluded that without handling the crisis properly, it is difficult for growth and development to persist in the subfield and Social Sciences. It was recommended that the curriculum of industrial sociology and social sciences be enlarged with social research methods having prominent place.

Keywords: methodological crisis, challenges of research, Industrial Sociology, Social Sciences.

Adopting International Best Practices in Human Resource Management for Abuja Municipal Council (AMAC)

Olatunji Akanni AKINOSI — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study aims to explore international best practices in human resource management with the purpose of adopting same for Abuja Municipal Area Council, (AMAC). The study relied on secondary sources of data and adopted thematic style of analysis as its methodology. Consequently, relevant internal documents, such as HRM policy manuals, performance reports, and recruitment records were consulted, including relevant books, journals, government publications and internet materials. Findings revealed among others that there is a wide gap between HRM practices in AMAC and international best practices. Based on the findings, the paper recommends among others that by introducing standardized and transparent recruitment processes for example, that include clear criteria and assessment tools that will ensure fairness and effectiveness, AMAC will significantly enhance its HR practices to measure up to internal best practices. Also, AMAC should develop a comprehensive recruitment policy that aligns with international best practices and adapt to local conditions.

Keywords: Adopting, International best practices, Human Resource Management, Municipal Council.

Moderating Effect of Corporate Governance Attribute on the Relationship Between Capital Structure and Financial Performance of Listed Multinational Companies in Nigeria

Jacob Samuel Ekele — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The main objective of the study is to examine the moderating effect of corporate governance attributes on the relationship between capital structure and the financial performance of listed multinational companies in Nigeria. The study adopts an ex-post facto research design. The study uses panel data extracted from the published annual reports and accounts of 11 listed multinational companies on the Nigerian Exchange Group as at December 2023 based on census sampling techniques in consideration of the multinational companies. Panel data is meant to account for and measure effects that cannot be simply observed by pure cross-section or pure time series data over the period 2019-2023. Regression analysis techniques was used with the aid of STATA 13 Version Software. The finding reveals the lack of a significant effect of TDTE on financial performance suggesting that this ratio may not be a strong predictor of performance in this context. The significant effect of TDTA on financial performance indicates that how much total debt a company uses relative to its assets is a meaningful factor. The significant moderating effect of board size on the relationship between TDTE and financial performance suggests that larger boards may better manage or monitor debt levels. The significant moderating effect of board size on the relationship between TDTA and financial performance indicates that board size plays a crucial role in managing the effects of debt ratios. The recommends among others that since TDTE was not found to significantly impact financial performance, companies should ensure their debt policies are aligned with broader strategic goals rather than focusing solely on the debt-to-equity ratio.

Keywords: Corporate Governance, Capital Structure, Financial Performance, Financial Performance

Impact of the World Bank-Assisted Commercial Agriculture Project on the Livelihood of Rice Farmers in Cross River North Senatorial District of Nigeria

Rosemary I. Eneji, Veronica E. Francis, Philip A. Egbara — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The study was carried out to determine the benefits or otherwise of the World Bank-assisted Commercial Agricultural Project on the livelihood of rice farmers in Northern Cross River State. The study population comprised 991 rice farmers of which 400 were sampled for standard questionnaire administration and data collection, with 363 retrieved. The results showed that most of the rice farmers who benefited from the World Bank grant had an improved capacity in their farming. However, 158 (43.5%) respondents strongly agreed and 196 (54%) agreed that many rice farmers were not aware of the World Bank-assisted project. Concerning the supply of farm inputs, 196 respondents (54%) strongly agreed and 158 (43.5%) agreed that the project often distributed farm inputs to farmers and about 90% of them agreed that their rice farming generally benefit from the input supply, which included improved seeds, fertilizers and herbicides. We suggest that greater awareness through workshops should be frequently organized for the rice-farming communities on current and future World Bank or other donor-supported programmes to benefit more farmers. The existing agricultural extension services should also be utilized to disseminate information and provide guidance to the farmers. However, efforts should be made by the project management to screen out ghost beneficiaries and focus more on the real farmers who are the key contributors to food security in the state.

Ethical Practices and Employee Performance in the Nigerian Public Sector- Perspectives from the Kaduna State Civil Services (2015 – 2023)

Sanusi Mahammad Lawal, Chibuike Chris Umeokafor, Miracle Promise Ntagu — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The study examined the impact of ethics in the public sector in Nigeria, particularly in the Kaduna State Civil Services from 2015 to 2023. The study's objective among others is to examine ethics in Nigeria's public services and Kaduna state. The method of data collection is both the primary and secondary sources. The reliability of such data for the quality check was done through the reliability of deduces from previous scholarly work which gave the work is quality standard because it has been subjected to other scholars’ criticism over time. The study adopted the bureaucratic theory. The study revealed that the level of work ethics in Kaduna State and service are not effective. Lack of discipline among the challenges confronting Kaduna state civil service. The problem confronting Kaduna State civil service includes Laziness at work, Misappropriation of public funds, and Corrupt practices. The study concludes that there should be peaceful co-existence of groups and absolute respect for rules and regulations for organization efficiency. The study recommends that the government should create enabling social factors that will promote self-discipline in Nigeria civil services should be spelled out and placed in all public offices.

Economic and Social Factors Militating Against the Development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises as a Strategy of Industrial Development in Nigeria

Dorn Cklaimz Enamhe, Victoria Antigha Bassey, Felicia Peterson Akpan — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Industrialization starts with micro, small and medium enterprises in most societies. Nigerian government in recognition of this fact introduced Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act of 2003 to promote and boost activities of such enterprises as an inroad to industrial development. Over the years, the enterprises are yet to usher the much-desired industrial growth and development. This study examines the influence of socioeconomic factors such as: educational background, access to credit and finance, experience of owners, business area and location, family business background, entrepreneurial training, social attitude, tax rules, inflation rate, corruption, value system, religious inclination, culture etc. on success of enterprises and concluded that all impacted negatively. Reengineering of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN) will address these factors and position them to favour the development of SMEs in Nigeria.

Role of Micro Finance Banks in Promoting Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria

Jacho David Sunday, Modibbo Sallau Abdullahi, Olugbesan Idris — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The practice of microfinance banks is not new. It has been in existence from time immemorial providing the needed finances through informal microfinance approaches such as self-help groups, credit associations, accumulating credit, savings association and direct borrowing from friends and relations and community banks. In modern times, the major function of MFBs globally is that they engage in simple operations for their activities by giving of small loans and collections of small savings; and removal of collateral security as a condition for loan advances. In developing countries, MFBs are deposits mobilization, finance schemes or loans of up to $3,000, payment services, money transfers and insurance to poor and low-income households and their micro-enterprises. SMEs are considered the backbone of economic growth in all countries of the world. They play an important role in Nigeria’s economic growth, as they constitute 97.2% of companies in Nigeria and also contribute to national development by positively influencing the distribution of income in both functional and nominal terms. The study seeks to examine the extent MFBs have been able to finance the SMEs in Nigeria’s FCT, Abuja. The theory that guided the research is elite theory while data were sought from secondary sources. It was discovered that MFBs operators in the FCT have inadequate experienced credit staff. As a young and growing industry, there is a dearth of experienced staff in planning, product development and effective engagement with clients. Most credit staff of MFIs in Nigeria and indeed FCT are on their first jobs. Inadequate experienced staff limits expansion and institutional performance. Another finding is repayment problems. Loan delinquency is a major threat to institutional sustainability. It is one of the limitations that afflicts Microfinance Banks. Delinquency demoralizes the staff and deprives beneficiaries of valuable services. Delinquency is a symptom of poor leadership. It is hereby recommended that there should be a policy that will help the Microfinance Banks have a focused professional management as well as experienced credit staff, diverse and professional board that will have the policy at heart. There is also the need to have an impartial; quick and simple approval and disbursement procedures that will support innovation and ensure the achievement of financial self-sufficiency. Economic environment should be made conducive; government should improve the present state of infrastructure.

Co-Parenting Dynamics in Divorced Families: An Examination of its Impact on Children’s Adjustment and Well-being in Central Cross River Communities

Okorn Tabi Okorn, Ejoh Manyo Ojong — Sat, 19 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines the relationship between co-parenting dynamics among divorced couples and the adjustment and well-being of their children in Central Cross River communities. The findings indicate a positive correlation between high-quality co-parenting and improved emotional adjustment, academic performance, and reduced behavioral issues in children. Notably, community support networks and extended family involvement unique to Central Cross River communities play a significant role in mitigating the negative effects of divorce on child development. The research underscores the importance of cooperative co-parenting strategies and community-level support in promoting resilient outcomes for children of divorced families. The study's results have implications for family interventions and community-based initiatives aimed at supporting divorced families and enhancing child well-being in similar cultural contexts.

A Critique of Some Harmful Cultural Practices Against Females in Selected African Countries: A Social Work Perspective

Ejukwa Osam — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The review focused on some harmful cultural practices against females in selected African countries. The methodology was a documentary study with data obtained from secondary sources. The theoretical perspective relied on three theories, social convention, anomie, and social learning theory. Findings: The review reported on some harmful cultural practices that violated the human rights of females. These are Female Genital Mutilation [FGM], flogging of child brides, widowhood sexual rites, child sexual initiation ceremonies, breast ironing, child marriages, and child slavery and the associated risks stated. The Social Work perspective identified adverse consequences of all the cultural practices relating to the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of female survivors. The review condemned the use of females to sustain barbaric cultural rites that have lasted for centuries. Conclusion: The rejection of all harmful cultural practices and the education of male and female children to have a future to embrace new mind-sets of modernity that ends all barbaric cultural practices. Recommendations: There should be continuous sensitization against harmful cultural practices and the need to strengthen human rights for all. Also, the prosecutions of violators must be intensified to serve as deterrence.

Dependency Theory and Multinational Corporations in Nigeria

Abdullahi Mohammed Lawal, Bassey Etim Essien, Hamza Umar Gade — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Dependency theory reveals and explain the post-colonial forms of dominance among states especially the peripheral formations. The theory place emphasis on the influence of foreign and political influence as factors responsible for underdevelopment crisis in peripheral formations like Nigeria, the theory explained the role of multinational corporations as agents of core and developed countries in exploiting and dominating the peripheral formations. The paper adopted Qualitative method (secondary data) by reviewing available literature, journals, reports etc. Structural theory of imperialism is used to guide the study. The paper discover that multinational corporations (MNCs) engaged in infractions activities such as illegal capital flight, Tax evasion, corruption, among others which negatively effect of development of critical sectors of the economy such as infrastructure, unemployment, insecurity, poverty, low literacy rate etc.

The Relevance of Population Census to Economic Development (A Case Study of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria)

Godwin Edet Essoh, Owoibohoeno King Udo, Mfoniso Ntieno Sampson — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The research investigates the relevance of population Census to the economic development of the rural areas of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State. The study employed a descriptive survey research design and is anchored on democratic-participatory theory. Simple random sampling technique was deployed to select a sample size of 348 respondents from a population of 528 rural dwellers in Nsit Ubium. The researcher structured “The relevance of population census on the economic development of rural areas in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area Questionnaire” (RPCEDORAINUQ) for data collection. The data gathered were analyzed using simple linear regression to specifically determine their relevance to the dependent variable. From the findings, it was revealed that, the availability of gainful employment and business opportunities positively contributes (in a low extent) to the reduction of rural-urban migration from rural areas in Nsit Ubium LGA. There is a positive and significant contribution of Census data/Statistics on the provision of basic social Amenities and enhancement of Human development index of rural areas. In addition, there is a high degree of relevance/contribution of population growth check through census to the control of mortality rates in rural areas of Nsit Ubium. The study concludes that, indeed, with the passage of time and innovations, the heterogeneous and densely-populated nation like Nigeria is at a risk of population explosion without accurate data. An anomaly, since population census is and remains the major barometer in measuring and determining the country’s resource allocation, revenue estimation, formulation of economic policies, provision of social amenities, and determination of population density. From the results, the study recommends that government should initiate and adopt appropriate strategies to the conduct of periodic and regular population census to reduce rural-urban migration from rural areas. This will also help to advance the Human development index of rural areas in the country in general.

Key Words: Census, Population, Human Development, Rural Areas, Urban, Mortality.

Office Automation and Performance of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Anambra State, Nigeria

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The rapid advancement of technology has transformed business operations, making office automation increasingly crucial for organizational success. This study examined the impact of office automation on the performance of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Anambra State, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design with a population of 1,200 SMEs in Anambra State. Using simple random sampling, 300 SMEs were selected, and data were collected through structured questionnaires. The instrument was validated by research experts, and reliability was confirmed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient (α = 0.88). Out of 300 distributed questionnaires, 218 (72.7%) were successfully completed and returned. Data analysis employed both descriptive and inferential statistics, with hypotheses tested using linear regression at a 0.05 significance level. The findings revealed that automated record management systems significantly affect operational efficiency (R² = .55, F 1, 216) = 245.42, p < .001), with improvements observed in document processing time, data security, and error reduction. Similarly, automated communication systems demonstrated a significant impact on customer service delivery (R² = .47, F (1, 216) = 185.42, p < .001), enhancing response times and customer feedback management. The study concludes that office automation significantly enhances SME performance through improved operational efficiency and customer service delivery. It recommends that SMEs prioritize investment in comprehensive automated systems and suggests that the Anambra State government establish a dedicated SME technology support fund. These findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on technology adoption in SMEs and provide practical insights for business owners and policymakers seeking to enhance SME performance through office automation.

E-Governance and Service Delivery in Ondo State Ministry of Education: Prospects and Challenges

Oyindamola O. Oyewole, Gbadura Grace Adetimehin — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines the level of e-governance adoption and its impact on service delivery in the Ondo State Ministry of Education. The research identified the challenges hindering effective e-governance adoption and provide strategies for successful implementation. A descriptive research design was employed, Communication and System theory was used to justify the study and a sample of 170 respondents was randomly selected from the ministry’s staff. Data collected through a structured questionnaire was analyzed using frequencies, percentages, Friedman tests, chi-square analysis, and multiple regression. The findings reveal a low level of e-governance adoption in the ministry, attributed to inadequate funding, unstable power supply, and insufficient computer systems. Challenges such as staff resistance to change, lack of internet infrastructure, and inability to secure digital data hinder successful e-governance adoption. However, strategies like investing in employee training and development, hiring specialized IT support personnel, and allocating significant funding for contemporary ICT devices can enhance e-governance implementation. The study concludes that effective e-governance adoption in the ministry will significantly impact service delivery, enhancing operational effectiveness and promoting openness. Recommendations include providing a reliable alternative energy source, adequate funding for electronic infrastructure and human capital development, and allocating funds for contemporary ICT devices. Implementing these strategies will improve service delivery and enhance the overall efficiency of the Ondo State Ministry of Education.

Condition of Service and Workplace Performance in Private Organizations in Cross River State, Nigeria

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Condition of service serves as a dependable tool for job performance; influencing both employers and employees towards achieving set goals. This study therefore, examines the condition of service and workplace performance in private organizations with particular reference to Iron and Steel Group FZE, Calabar, Cross River State. Descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The survey was carried out through the administration of questionnaire to the 224 respondents. Purposive sampling technique was utilized to determine the sample size for the study. The researchers sampled from the randomized population of 510 employees of Iron & Steel Company, EPZ, Calabar, by going to their respective departments accompanied by the company’s representatives who spoke to the workers and acted as the research assistants. The findings of the study revealed that; condition of service has significant influence on workplace performance in private organizations particularly in Iron and Steel Group, EPZ, Calabar, Cross River State. It was recommended among other things that; Management of Iron and Steel Company, EPZ, Calabar, must bring to focus the need to have a globally acceptable condition of service for its workers for greater productivity and performance. This is because the issue of condition of service is a long standing and contentious issue between the Management and staff of the company for a very long period of time and still counting.

Voters Turnout and Democratic Consolidation in Nigeria: Examining the Pains and Gains of General Elections in Nigerian Fourth Republic

Itu Madu, Atiye David Ebikeme, Patience Ediri Micah — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The rich history of Nigeria's democratic battles for votes reveals a growing concern and shared aspiration for the strengthening of the democratic system through legitimate, open, and equitable elections to address the issue of low voter turnout. Since the beginning of democratic rule in 1999, there has been a consistent and continuous decrease in voter participation in subsequent elections at all levels of government, whether it is federal, state, or local. Noteworthy factors that have contributed to this decline include distrust in political and governmental processes and an excessive presence of security forces in tense inter-ethnic relations. This research paper delves into the consequences of voter turnout and general elections in Nigeria, employing the 'Rational Choice Theory Model' proposed by Georges Homans in 1961 as its theoretical framework and utilizing secondary data collection methods. The findings of this study strongly advocate for a systematic update and purification of Nigeria's voter register to ensure its accuracy before the next phase of the country's fourth democratic dispensation. The implication for public policy is that this clean-up process would greatly enhance political involvement and the management of election data in Nigeria.

Public-Private Partnership Policy and Health Care Delivery in Kogi State, Nigeria

Hassan Achimugu, Abdulfatai Asiru — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines the Public Private Partnership and Health Care Delivery in Kogi State. It specifically set out to evaluate public-private partnership and health care delivery in Kogi State, Assess the Kogi State Public-Private Partnership Policy Framework on Health Care Delivery and among others, the study focuses were within 2020-2023. Administration capacity theory was adopted for the study. The study adopted a survey design with a population of 183 staff member of the Kogi State Reference Hospital and Zenith Medical Centre, using a sample of 183 respondents determine. The hypotheses of the study were tested using Descriptive statistics and Likert scale with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) 24.0. The study found that the Kogi State Public-Private Partnership Policy Framework does indeed have a significant impact on healthcare delivery in the state. This suggests that the implementation of similar frameworks in Kogi State could indeed have a significant impact on healthcare delivery in the state. The study concluded that the Kogi State Public-Private Partnership Policy Framework has a multifaceted and significant impact on various aspects of healthcare delivery in the state. The study recommended that allocating resources and investments to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, including facilities, equipment, and technology. These programs should focus on enhancing skills in project management, collaboration, and innovation to optimize the implementation and management of PPP initiatives and maximize their impact on healthcare delivery and establish a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to continuously assess the effectiveness and impact of PPP initiatives on healthcare delivery.