Annals of the Social Science Academy of Nigeria 16&17(1) 2004/5 DOI: 10.36108/ssan/54002.7161.0110
Whither Nigeria? Political Economy of Reforms
Mike Kwanashie
Ahmadu Bella University, Zaria
Abstract
Nigeria has experienced in the past few years the impact of an articulate and a coherent reform policy. Despite progress made there is evidence that the neoliberal paradigm behind the reforms faces major challenges which a country like Nigeria must tackle if it is to sustain the fruits of reforms. Reforms to have sustainable . impacts must be broad based in its articulation, and relevant to the society it tries to change. There is skepticism that liberal democratic institutions in a dependent and peripheral capitalist economy like ours would deliver pro-poor policies in the absence of effective popular participation. The country has demonstrated the political will to drive and sustain reforms for growth and development. However the country is challenged to sustain the current reform programme to ensure that the gains made so far are consolidated.