International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) | Volume VI, Issue VII, July 2019 | ISSN 2321–2705

Development Plans and Policies in Nigeria: Observed Impediments and Practical Best Alternatives

Uche, Emmanuel

Department of Economics, Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria.

Abstract:-Since gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria had explored four 5-year development plans, one structural adjustment programme, two 3-year rolling plans, four visions and strategies including the recently lunched Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP). There seem to be an endless search for the best strategy for her developmental purposes as the country is still wandering around and manipulating all sorts of developmental initiatives. It is utterly disappointing that all the various planning initiatives the country had adopted had not delivered the much expected results rather the country is still battling with mounting developmental challenges. There is widespread poverty, hunger, unemployment, illiteracy, diseases, decaying and dilapidated infrastructures, excessive debt burden, among other things in the country. The study relied heavily on secondary source of information as it took a critical look at those factors responsible for the development planning failures as experienced in Nigeria. We identified factors like corruption, policy inconsistency/policy summersaults, lack of commitment towards implementation, over reliance on external doctrines, etc as some of the clogs on the wheel of Nigeria development. We recommend therefore, that governance in Nigeria must reflect the attribute of a going-concern (a continuum) and not of personal initiatives that can be jettisoned at any moment; secondly, a home-grown developmental strategy devoid of external dictates must be initiated and implemented to take Nigeria out of its present situation.

Keywords: Development, Planning, Infrastructures, Policy Inconsistency, External dictates

I. INTRODUCTION

Over the years, different governments in Nigeria had adopted different types and models of development plans to drive her quest for sustainable development and self actualization. But suffix it to say that many decades after independence; the country is still battling with monumental developmental challenges. Development planning is considered as a pathway-out of the economic challenges and a channel to the much-needed economic recovery and optimal performance. Development planning is seen as a long-term programme designed to effect some permanent structural changes in an economy.