AN EVALUATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES AND ECONOMIC IMBALANCE FROM 1999-2023.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study 

The transition to democracy in 1999 marked the beginning of a series of administrative improvements aimed at institutionalizing democratic governance, increasing transparency, and improving service delivery. Key changes included the formation of democratic institutions such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), among others. Nigeria faced administrative challenges despite these reforms, including bureaucratic inefficiencies (Eme & Chukwujekwu, 2020), corruption, inconsistent policies, and deficiencies in governance; political changes, leadership changes in government, and election cycles frequently disrupted administrative continuity, impeding the efficient implementation of policies and the provision of services (Alozie, 2017).

Nigeria happens to be Africa's most populous nation (Galal, 2024) and has seen substantial administrative changes and economic imbalance between 1999 and 2023, including institutional reorganization, policy revisions, and leadership changes. Nigeria's political landscape underwent a change in 1999 when it transitioned from a military regime to a civilian democracy, bringing with it a time of greater accountability and transparency (Leena & Jon, 2023). A variety of changes were carried out by succeeding administrations with the goals of strengthening economic development, lowering corruption, and enhancing governance. However, Nigeria still faces major obstacles to administrative capacity and effectiveness in spite of these efforts. At all governmental levels, corruption has remained rampant, impeding the effective provision of public services and undermining public institutions' credibility.

Nigeria's economic imbalance between 1999 and 2023 was caused by a number of reasons, such as unequal development, income inequality, and an overreliance on oil money. Despite Nigeria's abundance of natural riches, not all of its citizens have benefited equally from them (Lilian, 2019). Due to the nation's reliance on oil, its economy was subject to volatility and economic instability due to changes in the price of oil on a worldwide scale. Nigeria's economic imbalance was made worse by the absence of industry and economic diversification as the nation fought to lower poverty, generate employment, and encourage inclusive growth. High unemployment rates, poor infrastructure, and restricted access to essential services continued to be issues, especially in rural areas and among marginalized people.

During the time under study, Nigeria encountered notable economic imbalances concurrently. Nigeria's economy remained highly dependent on the hydrocarbon industry despite having an abundance of natural resources, particularly oil. This made it vulnerable to changes in the price of oil globally and hindered efforts to diversify the economy. The economy's underlying imbalances were maintained, and economic inequities and income inequality were made worse by this over-reliance on oil money.

1.2 Statement of the Problem 

Nigeria's political and economic landscape has undergone significant changes since the return to civilian rule in 1999. This period has been characterized by multiple administrative changes and varying economic policies, resulting in periods of economic growth as well as imbalances. Nigeria underwent a dramatic period of political and economic change between 1999 and 2023 as it made the transition from military to civilian administration and managed the challenges of a worldwide economy. Nigeria still has severe economic imbalances in spite of numerous administrative reforms acclaimed to boost institutional effectiveness, encourage good governance, and spur economic progress (Edirinverere, 2023). 

Nigeria's economy is susceptible to changes in the price of oil due to its substantial reliance on oil exports. Recessions have been brought on by crashes, while periods of high oil prices have produced economic booms. For instance, the decline in oil prices in 2014 had a major effect on government revenue, which in turn caused a recession in 2016 (National Bureau of Statistics, 2017). Even in times of economic expansion, Nigeria still has serious infrastructure problems. Economic diversification and expansion have been impeded by inadequate infrastructure, encompassing electricity supply, transportation, and healthcare systems. World Bank (2020) Corruption has been a persistent issue affecting Nigeria's economic stability. High-profile corruption cases and the mismanagement of public funds have undermined economic growth and development. Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index consistently ranks Nigeria poorly, reflecting the pervasive nature of corruption in its political system (Transparency International, 2020).

The complex interplay between economic imbalances and administrative modifications presents serious obstacles to Nigeria's ambition for development and governance. Aiming to improve accountability and effectiveness of governance, administrative reforms frequently cross paths with initiatives to correct economic imbalances and promote sustainable economic growth. Administrative reforms may not, however, be as successful in tackling economic issues as they may be since structural limitations and governance deficiencies impede the advancement of inclusive development, economic diversification, and poverty alleviation. This study therefore sets out to evaluate the effects of administrative modifications made over this time frame on the stability and expansion of Nigeria's economy. The success of these administrative reforms in promoting economic development, the degree to which political unpredictability and inconsistent policy have fueled economic imbalances, and the socioeconomic effects of these imbalances on the Nigerian people are all important topics that need to be addressed. The goal of the study is to offer a thorough review of the association between administrative choices and financial results, providing light on the achievements and shortcomings of Nigeria's economic policies and governance during the last 20 years as this has been a missing gap.

1.3 Objectives of the Study 

The goal of the study is to gain an understanding of how administrative changes affect Nigeria's economic imbalance and to offer suggestions for fostering development and sustainable economic growth..

To evaluate how Nigeria's economic imbalance was affected by administrative reforms between 1999 and 2023.

To investigate the connection between economic indices like GDP, inflation, unemployment, and poverty rates and administrative changes.

To pinpoint the precise administrative adjustments that have exacerbated Nigeria's economic disparity.

To look into how Nigeria's economic development and growth are impacted by economic imbalance.

To investigate the connection between the noted economic imbalances and the indicated administrative changes.

1.4 Research Questions 

How was Nigeria's economic imbalance affected by administrative reforms between 1999 and 2023?

What are the connections between economic indices like GDP, inflation, unemployment, and poverty rates and administrative changes?

What are the precise administrative adjustments that have aggravated Nigeria's economic disparity?

What are the ways in which Nigeria's economic development and growth impacted by economic imbalance?

What are the correlations between administrative changes and economic results?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study seeks to contribute by advancing knowledge of the effects of administrative reforms on Nigeria's economic growth, providing information about how well economic changes work to reduce economic imbalance. This study shall also contribute to the available knowledge of the connection between political unrest, economic performance, and corruption by offering a framework for evaluating the accomplishments of economic policies of various administrations. The study further evaluates hoe Nigeria’s economic imbalance was affected by the administrative changes between 1999-2023. This will be achieved via a proper investigation into the connection between economic indices like inflation, GDP, unemployment and poverty rate and administrative changes. This study will layout distinct administrative adjustments that have intensified Nigeria’s economic disparity over time. It is also expected that this study will carefully look into how Nigeria’s economic development growth are impacted by economic imbalance. This study gives a proper investigation into the connection between notable economic imbalance and the indicated administrative changes.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The scope of this study is centered on the evaluation of administrative modifications, changes and economic imbalance, given a timeframe spanning from 1999 to 2023. This obviously makes for a chronicle of the study. However, the study takes cognizance of factors slightly before the originating chronology as well as the terminating chronology. The researcher was bound by a political and economic theme. Though socio-economic factors may have crept in a bit, the researcher carefully adhered to the scope of the political and economic themes to avoid undue digression. This accessed some administrative reforms that triggered economic imbalance while also drawing coloration between administrative changes and their resultant economic implications. This study is centered on Nigeria and the political hemisphere of the country.

1.7 Limitations of the Study

As almost a seeming issue in research, this research also faced a series of limitations that, however, didn’t hinder the quality of the work done or the final statement. For instance, the researcher could not be given access to some individuals in positions of authority as they thought the research might leak some restricted information. In situations like this, the researcher only made do with the available information, which leaves room for further research on the subject matter.

Also, the financial aspect really was a thing. The researchers felt the economic fiasco being faced by the nation at the time of embarking on the research. This singular factor limited the researcher's ability to reach targeted regions to source eyewitness accounts. In instances like this, the researcher relied on social media to reach out to some of these targeted audiences, while others proved uncooperative.

1.8 Research Methodology

The researcher was faced with a plethora of research methods to galvanize this study. However, the researcher employed a qualitative approach with historical design to arrive at a statement. The historical design enables a thorough examination of previous actions and decisions and how they affected the state of the economy during the given time frame. Hence, the researcher relied on secondary sources of evidence. Chronologically, the researcher made a thorough schedule of important administrative changes that occurred between 1999 and 2023, classifying them according to their respective categories.

 1.9 Definition of terms

Administrative Changes: this can be expressed in the light of transitions of administrations and government and the coming in of new ones which would sooner or later make room for others

Economic imbalance: can also be seen in the light of fluctuation of the economic state of the nation