https://ir.nilds.gov.ng//handle/123456789/31 2026-04-21T09:55:15Z https://ir.nilds.gov.ng//handle/123456789/1972 Childhood Experiences and Political Attitudes of Citizens in Nigeria Abayomi, Kolapo Q.; Igbanoi, Leo Oskihena Many explanations have been put forward for the progressive decline in citizens’ interest in Nigeria’s political activities, particularly in electoral democracy since the beginning of the Fourth Republic. However, there is a dearth of research on how childhood socialisation and experiences inform people’s attitudes to participate or not in political activities in the country. Drawing from a mixed methods approach using surveys and in-depth interviews with 400 participants across the six Area Councils in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) – Abaji, AMAC, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali, while relying on the rational-choice model and descriptive and thematic analysis, this paper argues that childhood socialisation experiences have a major effect on the formation of political attitudes of citizens. The paper shows further that citizens’ reluctance to participate actively in politics was reinforced by a trust deficit between them and the government, low government performance, as well as institutional and procedural impediments that characterise Nigeria’s election management systems. The study recommends that the government should actively promote civic education and enlightenment at all levels of education, while this is to be augmented by relevant institutions like the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), including by using local dialects. Further still, democratic principles should be entrenched through open government policies and practices to strengthen trust in public institutions, while boosting citizens’ political interest and participation 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://ir.nilds.gov.ng//handle/123456789/1742 An Appraisal of Corruption Fight in Nigeria: A Comparative Study of Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari Administrations Sulaiman, Abubakar Olanrewaju; Folorunso, Olowu Olagunju The research conducted a comprehensive analysis of the anti-corruption efforts during the tenure of Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari through a comparative lens. Employing the institutional theory as the analytical framework, the study utilised a qualitative descriptive method relying on secondary data sources. Results indicated that both Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari employed institutional and legal strategies to combat corruption in Nigeria. Notably, the findings revealed that President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration achieved more significant anti-corruption outcomes compared to the Goodluck Jonathan administration. This success was particularly evident in terms of arrests, prosecution of corrupt officials, and the attainment of convictions. Despite these achievements, both administrations faced challenges, including allegations of weaponising the anti-corruption fight against political rivals and selective prosecution to favour political allies. In light of these findings, the study recommended greater autonomy for anti-graft agencies. Furthermore, it emphasised the importance of the succeeding administration building upon the achievements of the Buhari-led government in the fight against corruption. The study advocated for a comprehensive and transparent anti-corruption campaign that avoids selective arrests and prosecution, fostering a holistic approach to tackling corruption. 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z https://ir.nilds.gov.ng//handle/123456789/1560 Public trust and state management of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria Abayomi, Kolapo Quadri The COVID-19 pandemic generated an unprecedented global crisis with long lasting consequences. In this study, I examine the bi-directional nexus between public trust and the management of the pandemic in Nigeria. I argue that there is a relationship between government management of public policies and the level of public trust. The research draws on the Theory of Trust, in-depth interviews (IDI), and focus group discussions (FGD) and is supported by other secondary sources. I found that the main reason for citizens’ resistance to major policies introduced to contain the spread of the pandemic was due to an entrenched lack of trust in the government, its agencies, and officials. The findings also indicate that a lack of transparency and accountability in the management of the pandemic deepened the already fractured public trust. This was particularly visible in the shrouded pattern of disbursing cash transfers, allegations of corruption against the managers of the pandemic, and evidence of concealed palliatives meant to cushion the negative economic effects of the pandemic. The article recommends that the government needs to promote public trust by adopting an open governance approach that institutionalises transparency and accountability, fosters constant and consistent citizen engagement on government policies and programmes, strengthens critical agencies, and engenders a sense of belonging for all citizens. 2024-06-01T00:00:00Z https://ir.nilds.gov.ng//handle/123456789/1551 The Travails of Democratic Transitions and the Challenges of Development in West Africa since the 1900s Salaudeen, Abdulkadir; Abdulwahab, Abdulkabir The 1990s marked a watershed in the transition to democracy in West Africa. However, after three decades, democracy is yet to be rooted in the region due to frequent military interventions (coup d’états) and the subsequent suspension of constitution and democratic structures that characterize military regime. While there are scholarly studies on the challenges of democratic transition and development in individual African states, much has not been written on West African sub region as a whole. This paper intends to fill that gap. It identifies some challenges of democracy in West Africa. It utilizes secondary source of data and employs the concept of ‘Fragile State’ as its framework for analysis. Fragile State refers to a situation whereby government cannot deliver its statutory core functions which include securing lives and property and ensuring political stability. It concludes that disregard for the rule of law and ‘do or die’ politics are some of the challenges creating impediments to the entrenchment of democracy in West Africa. To democratize and strengthen democracy in West Africa, it recommends that politics should be seen as selfless and patriotic endeavour guided by the rule of law. 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z