AN EVALUATION OF MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS IN NIGERIA SOCIO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Chapter One

Introduction

1.1  Background of the Study

According to Akpan, (2006) The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are eight international development goals that were established following the Millennium Summit of the United Nations in 2000, following the adoption of the United Nations Millennium Declaration. All 189 United Nations member states at the time (there are 193 currently) and at least 23 international organizations committed to help achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015, the goals follow: to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, to achieve universal primary education, to promote gender equality and empowering women, to reduce child mortality rates, to improve maternal health, to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases, to ensure environmental sustainability and to develop a global partnership for development. The MDGs originated from the United Nations Millennium Declaration. The Declaration asserted that every individual has the right to dignity, freedom, equality, a basic standard of living that includes freedom from hunger and violence and encourages tolerance and solidarity. The MDGs set concrete targets and indicators for poverty reduction in order to achieve the rights set forth in the Declaration.

In his contribution, Okebukola (1986) pointed attention to the MDG emphasis which covers: human capital, infrastructure and human rights (social, economic and political), with the intent of increasing living standards. Human capital objectives include nutrition, healthcare (including child mortality, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, and reproductive health) and education. Infrastructure objectives include access to safe drinking water, energy and modern information/communication technology; increased farm outputs using sustainable practices; transportation; and environment. Human rights objectives include empowering women, reducing violence, increasing political voice, ensuring equal access to public services and increasing security of property rights. The goals were intended to increase an individual’s human capabilities and “advance the means to a productive life”. The MDGs emphasize that each nation’s policies should be tailored to that country’s needs; therefore most policy suggestions are general.

1.2  Statement of the Problem

From the above, it is observed that previous studies have centered attention mainly on investigating the difference or relationship between individual (single) MDGs variables and economical development.  Apparently further studies are required to investigate the combined contribution of the eight MDGs on Nigerian economy.  It against the background that this research works was conducted to make an assessment on the effects of the millennium (MDGs) on the Nigeria economy.

1.3  Purpose of the Study

The objectives were as follows:

1. To examine the extent to which MDG helps in promoting Nigerian economy
2. The roles of MDG in Agricultural sector with regards to boosting Nigerian economy.
3. The roles of MDG in peace keeping with regards to boosting Nigerian economy

1.4  Research Question

1. What is the impact of MDG helps in promoting Nigerian economy?
2. What is the impact of MDG in Agricultural sector with regards to boosting Nigerian economy?
3. What is the impact of MDG in peace keeping with regards to boosting Nigerian economy?

1.5  Significance of the Study

The significance of this study can be viewed from the following perspectives. One main significance of this study is that when completed, it would serve as a bridge for the gap that have been created between where previous works on this subject area stopped and today.

This study is significant in the sense that its finding would serve as a base and framework for future researchers to carry out further studies in the field of knowledge under study.

The government would benefit from this study in view of the fact that they would learn how efficacious MDGs is and in reaction, effectively and adequately implement this programme in all government owned organizations (that is, ministries, institutions, parastatals and corporations) to improve the productivity of both the civil and public servants in her employment. The outcome of this research is hoped to be of immense use to students of management since it contains information on how to improve monetization and therefore, increase productivity.

1.6  Scope and Limitation of the Study

The study was delimited to an assessment on the effects of the millennium (MDGs) on the Nigeria economy.

Spatially, this work was delimited to the Nigeria with a concentration of Akwa Ibom State.

The materials for a proper and effective research work constituted a major limitation and even the decision to use questionnaire in data collection constituted some limitation of the study, that is, how to get the true and required information from the workers.

Finally, there was an anticipation of the problem of convincing the respondents on the filling of the questionnaires and to give the true and required information. But for the quick intervention of the administrative officer of the establishment who took time to clear the air and convince his workers, helped me to accomplish my mission.

1.7  Organization of the Study

This research aims at making an assessment on the effects of the millennium (MDGs) on the Nigeria economy. The study is made up of five chapters, chapter incorporates introduction, statement of problem, objectives of the study, definition of terms, scope of the study and organization of the study. Chapter two being literature review, contained review of related literature such on the concepts of MDGs attainment. Chapter three was handling the methodology of the work incorporating study area, design, instrumentation, administration of the instrument, population of the study and data analysis technique, Chapter four incorporates result of the data analysis and discussion of the findings. Chapter five incorporates summary of the study, conclusion, recommendations and suggestions for further research.

AN EVALUATION OF MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS IN NIGERIA SOCIO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT