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POVERTY ALLEVIATION STRATEGIES IN NIGERIA: AN EVALUATION OF GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Poverty remains a significant challenge in Nigeria, a nation rich in natural resources but marked by stark economic inequalities. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS, 2023), approximately 40.1% of Nigeria's population lives below the national poverty line, with the rates disproportionately affecting women and children in rural areas. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for effective poverty alleviation strategies that address the root causes of poverty and provide sustainable solutions.

Historically, Nigeria's poverty alleviation efforts have oscillated between various governmental initiatives, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and international collaborations. The government has launched several policies aimed at poverty reduction, including the National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP) initiated in 2001, which sought to provide social services, enhance economic opportunities, and improve living conditions for the poor (Nwankwo, 2022). However, despite these initiatives, the persistent levels of poverty raise questions about their effectiveness and sustainability. The lack of comprehensive evaluation mechanisms has led to a limited understanding of what strategies work best in the Nigerian context.

One of the critical issues in Nigeria's approach to poverty alleviation is the limited integration of grassroots participation in policymaking and implementation. Many of the initiatives have been criticized for their top-down approach, which often ignores the needs and aspirations of the very people they are intended to help (Ezeani & Onwumere, 2021). Community engagement is essential in developing effective poverty alleviation strategies, as it fosters ownership and accountability among beneficiaries. Therefore, understanding the importance of participatory governance in poverty alleviation initiatives is vital.

In addition, economic factors, such as unemployment and inflation, significantly contribute to the persistence of poverty in Nigeria. The country has faced economic instability, compounded by fluctuating oil prices, which are the backbone of its economy (Abubakar, 2020). These fluctuations lead to reduced government revenues, limiting the resources available for poverty alleviation programs. The impact of external factors, including global economic trends and local governance issues, further complicates the effectiveness of poverty reduction strategies.

Furthermore, the interplay of socio-political dynamics in Nigeria cannot be overlooked. Corruption and mismanagement of resources have plagued many government initiatives aimed at poverty alleviation. Reports indicate that a substantial portion of funds earmarked for poverty reduction has been misappropriated, leaving many programs underfunded or entirely ineffective (Adeleke, 2023). This corruption undermines public trust in government efforts and discourages citizen participation in poverty alleviation initiatives.

Evaluating the effectiveness of existing poverty alleviation strategies in Nigeria is critical in addressing these challenges. This study aims to assess government initiatives implemented over the years, examining their outcomes and the factors contributing to

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