Table of Contents

Harmful Tax Practices and Reforms in Africa

Umeora C.E.                                                                       1-10

Individualism as a Predictor of Workplace Cooperation

Ejike O.                                                                                                11-19

Government’s Legitimacy a Catalyst to Sustainable Development

Hongie G.N.                                                                                                 20-29

Is Bad Governance/Corruption the Major Source of Conflict in Nigeria?

Usman I., Kyari G.A., Hajja A.M.S. and Goni U.A.                                                                     30-43

The Diaspora Question and Nigeria’s Foreign Policy

Nwogbaga, D.M.E.                                                                                                   44-55

Implementing African Union Charter and Poverty Reduction in Nigeria

Christie, O.O.                                                                                                        56-69

Comparison of Laboratory Administration and Policy in the Medical Laboratory

Sciences Department

Udeajah, V.N., Ibiam, G.A., Azi, S.O, Okereke, E.C., Nworie, A.  and Oti-Wilberforce, R.          70-76

The African Union and Public Sector Reforms, Under the New Partnership for

Africa’s Development (NEPAD)’S African Pair-Reviewed Mechanism

Odeh M.A. and Mailafia M.D.                                                                                                  77-98

THE IMPLICATION OF DIVORCE ON AFRICAN YOUTHS

1Bem, V. N, 2Robert .B. and 3A.O. Olayiwola
1Registry Department Federal University of Agriculture
2Policy and Research Unit, Centre for Research and Innovation, Minna
3Department of Political Science, Lagos State University, Ojo
E-mail: nusramurana@yahoo.co.uk

ABSTRACT:

Over the past years, the society has witnessed an alarming rate of separation, divorce, marital dissatisfaction, lost of affection between couples and cases of marital violence, even in Africa and its damn implications on the life of the African youths.
Everywhere today, people are searching for lasting and meaningful relationships. The myth of romance continues to be taken for granted by millions, and a new generation of young men
and women has accepted the belief that sexual freedom is the key to fulfillment. But as desperately as people want to believe in the sexual revolution of the last few decades, it is
clear to many of them that something has gone terribly wrong. Instead of bringing freedom, the sexual revolution has left countless wounded and isolated. As we face the great anguish
around us, it is more important than ever for all of us, young and old, to consider the direction of our lives and ask ourselves where we are headed. There is tremendous pain among broken families. This lead to battered wives, neglected and abused children, and sinful relationships. Yet instead of an outcry, there is indifference. When will we wake up and realize that our apathy is destroying us? There is need for readily available and versatile goal-directed
counseling. Goal-directed counseling is counseling which identified discrete divorce related problems and fashions a treatment programme.

DEVELOPMENT PLANNING IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: THE MISSING LINK IN THE NIGERIAN EXPERIENCE

Akims, K.A. and Kromtit, M.J.
Department of Economics
University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
E-mail: akimskb@yahoo.com, kromtitm@unijos.edu.ng

Abstract:

Despite the prolonged history of development planning in developing countries, economic outcomes emanating from various plans over the years have not been quite impressive. This forms the main motivation for this study which attempts to unveil the
missing link in the Nigerian experience. Careful development planning could help improve the economy by mobilizing the funds required for financing development, closing the
infrastructure gap, smoothing the path to industrialization and reducing unemployment and poverty in the country. By using deductive reasoning and descriptive method of analyzing
secondary literature, the study reveals that development planning in Nigeria could not achieve tremendous results due to weak institutions, inconsistencies in planning strategies,
inadequate reliable statistics and corruption in governance, lack of commitment to plan implementation, lack of effective control over private sector planning and the failure to
appraise and avoid the pitfalls of past development plans by the government. The studyrecommends mainly the improvement of institutions that would provide supportive role to
planning, a sincere fight against corruption and ensuring consistency in planning strategy, plan appraisal and monitoring. This would enable development planning to deliver the
expected development outcomes in the country.

FEATURES OF INFORMAL LAND MARKET IN PERI-URBAN AREAS OF BAUCHI:

A STUDY OF JANRUWA SETTLEMENT BAUCHI STATE NIGERIA
1Singhry I.M. and 2Umar .W.
1Estate Management Programme, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi.
2Surveying and Geoinformatics, Programme, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi.
Email: singhry1968@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

This paper examined some features of informal land market especially in the provision of services in Janruwa. The head of households served as the sample of the study. Simple random
sampling technique was used in administering the questionnaires, while in analyzing the data obtained from the respondents descriptive statistics is employed. Most of the information
gathered was from the residents of the study area. Informal interviews were also held with some staff of state Urban Development Board and Ministry of Lands and environment. It was
found that, since the market operated outside any regulatory framework of the government, transactions in the markets were unrecorded; land purchases were exclusively funded through
personal savings; plots were subdivided which were below official standards set for even the low density residential areas; proliferation of informal settlements and there are little or even
non provision of basic services. A machinery for recording transaction in the market for the purpose of creating a cadastral data base for the area was recommended; activities of the
informal land market should be regulated by government to check the dubious activities of land agents, formal lending institutions should be encouraged to fund the market, Bauchi
State Urban Development Board should re-enforce planning and building regulations in Janruwa and Bauchi metropolis in general. Bauchi state government should also provide basic
services in the study area.

HOUSING PROBLEMS OF LOW INCOME GROUP IN WARRI METROPOLIS, NIGERIA

1Clarke, T. and 2Digha, O.N.
Department of Geography
1&2Isaac Jasper Boro College of Education, Sagbama, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
E-mail: digbaopaminola@yahoo.com

Abstract:

This study examined housing problems of low income group in Warri metropolis, Nigeria. To achieve this study, the study generated data from field survey using questionnaires was adopted. The data generated were analysed using bivariate
correlation analysis. From the study, it was observed that the low income earners in the metropolis are spread across areas of Okumagba Layout, Lower Eredjuwa, Enerhen road,
Delta Steel town, Enerhen village, and Orhowhorun. Housing demand is high as a result of the increasing population and most of the occupants spend about 35-45% of their
monthly income on accommodation in contrast to the 20% monthly income recommended by the United Nation. However, the quality of houses for low income
group in Warri metropolis is poor and below standard. Slums are found in the high density (Jakpa road, Okumagba layout, Airport Road, Upper/Lower Erejuwa, Enerhen/Udu Road) areas of Warri metropolis. The standard dwelling units correlated
significantly with household income at R = 0.913. It is anticipated that as the size of household income increases, the access standard dwelling units also increases. Therefore, the cost of houses should be reduced through the provision of low cost housing near
public transport routes, infrastructure and community facilities. The need to improve the housing delivery mechanism via policy measures geared towards encouraging low income
group should be strongly advocated by the National Housing Federation.

AN EVALUATION OF WOMEN’S HEALTH STATUS IN AFRICA: PROGRESS, CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS

Nenpominyi S.A.
Department of Political Science
University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.
E-mail: nenpipi@yahoo.com

Abstract:

The promotion of women’s health rights is also imperative for Africa’s development. This is evident in its inclusion as one of the millennium development goals and the commitment of the African Union in the implementation of existing gender related
principles, goals and actions set out in regional, continental and international instruments on women’s rights and women’s health in Africa. Despite the progress that Africa has made in
this regard, many women do not have access to reproductive and health care resulting to complications and death from pregnancy and childbirth or other lifelong health problems.
This work assesses the socio-economic implication of maternal health problems on Africa’s development. It also evaluates the role of African Union in alleviating women’s health issues.
The secondary method of data analysis is employed though the review of reports, policy documents and books related to women’s health in Africa. It identifies illiteracy, continual
conflicts, harmful socio cultural practices and governance crisis as some of the challenges the African Union needs to overcome to improve women’s health in Africa. It establishes that
when women stay healthy, they are productive, have more opportunities for education, training and employment which in turn benefit their families, their communities and
ultimately their nations. Political commitment and financial support to implement replicate and scale up successful policies and programs by government, civil society and the private
sector is suggested to improve maternal rights in Africa.

THE AFRICAN UNION AND PUBLIC SECTOR REFORMS, UNDER THE NEW PARTNERSHIP FOR AFRICA’S DEVELOPMENT (NEPAD)’S AFRICAN PAIR-REVIEWED MECHANISM

Odeh M.A. and Mailafia M.D.
Department of Political Science,
University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria.
E-mail: veemsm@yahoo.com
Abstract:

This paper examined the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD)’s African Pair-reviewed Mechanism (APRM), which has been touted as a panacea for the
continent’s governance woes. The APRM, as a reform tool is one of the most innovative initiatives established under the auspices of the NEPAD. The main objective of the APRM is to foster the adoption of standard and best practices for political stability, sustainable
development and economic integration through experience sharing between member states. It was designed to improve the quality of life of Africans, establish efficient and effective management systems, promote accelerated growth and ensure responsiveness
and increased accountability, as well as reposition the continent in the international arena. However, despite the tremendous efforts and resources allocated, the results have remained unimpressive. The concepts of public sector reforms and APRM were examined.
Data collected through secondary sources were critically analyzed, using indicators such as; level of awareness created, availability of human and material resources, etc. The findings
showed that certain factors had negated the impact of the reform. The paper argues that if the APRM reform tool is to be effective, those factors must be removed. It proffered some solutions, to fill the gaps.

COMPARISON OF LABORATORY ADMINISTRATION AND POLICY IN THE MEDICAL

LABORATORY SCIENCES DEPARTMENT
Udeajah, V.N., Ibiam, G.A., Azi, S.O, Okereke, E.C., Nworie, A. and Oti-Wilberforce, R.
Medical Laboratory Science Department,
Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki
E-Mail: vakadujah45@yahoo.com,vakadujah45@gmail.com,

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.

THE DIASPORA QUESTION AND NIGERIA’S FOREIGN POLICY

Nwogbaga, D.M.E.
Department of Political Science,
Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki.
E-mail: nevarelent4sure@yahoo.com

Abstract:

The Diaspora question which focuses on matters relating to citizens abroad has raised a lot of contentious issues that demand greater attention in Nigeria’s foreign policy. The contentious issues border on: first, the roles of the Nigerian Diaspora in
advancing the country’s foreign policy, and; second, how Nigeria’s foreign policy affects the lives and interests of the citizens abroad. So far, the arguments which dominated existing literatures favour more or less the legal migrants who also engage in legitimate
activities; while little or inadequate attention is given to the illegal migrants and those who allegedly engage in illegitimate activities in their countries of abode. As a consequence, many Nigerians abroad suffer a lot of incarcerations which ordinarily they
wouldn’t have suffered if they were given adequate diplomatic attention. In contribution to existing views, this paper is poised to (i) identify the contentious issues in the Diaspora
question which demand more serious attention in Nigeria’s foreign policy (ii) examine the roles of the Nigerian Diaspora in advancing the country’s foreign policy, and (iii) explain why Nigeria’s foreign policy should serve the legitimate interests and diplomatic needs of all Nigerians abroad even if they are illegal migrants or allegedly engage in illegitimate activities.