INITIATED INDUSTRIALIZATION IN BENUE STATE: A QUEST FOR ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES » Download Project Topics

ABSTRACT

The study sets out to investigate and assess the role of the state in the industrial and economic development of Nigeria and Benue State in particular. It was proposed among others that the problem of industrialization and underdevelopment in Nigeria and Benue State in particular cannot be divorced from the nature and character of the Nigerian State, hence solutions must also be sought within that context. On the basis of that, primary and secondary data were generated to test the proposition stated above. From our data presentation and analysis, it was found out among others that lack of industrial and economic development in Nigeria and Benue State in particular is closely tied to the nature, character and orientation of the Nigerian State. That this dependent nature robs the Nigerian State the capacity and interest to engage in productive activities and consequently, the state limits itself to the distribution, consumption and exchange of goods and services. It was therefore recommended that there should be continuity in a disciplined and visionary leadership that will enhance consistency and continuity in the implementation of policies and programs for the industrial and economic development of Benue State. Secondly, the appointment of the chief executives of the state enterprises should be based on merit, transparency and commitment and not government’s desire to pay political debts. Government participation should also be seen in financial allocation to the economic sector and mechanisms set to instil prudent management of such resources. Government should provide an enabling environment for investment both by the private and public sectors of the economy. On the long run, there should be a conscious change and reorientation in the nature and character of the Nigerian State towards concrete production and development.

STATE – INITIATED INDUSTRIALIZATION IN BENUE STATE: A QUEST FOR ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES