NIGERIA'S SOCIAL POLICIES AND DEVELOPMENTAL STRATEGIES: QUESTIONING MAL-ADMINISTRATION AND GOVERNMENTAL INSINCERITY OF PURPOSE

Abstract

The study examined Nigeria's social policies and developmental strategies. Governments across the world intended to be responsible through holistic implementation of developmental programmes, but the level of sincerity of each government actually determines the extent of the manifestation of implementation. In Nigeria, the immunity clause that makes lawmakers the breakers legitimize leadership maladministration translated into mismanagement, misappropriation and misapplication of funds meant for social upkeeps and development. This enables leaders to divert policies meant for social development to self-development that stagnates national growth. That is why Nigeria's housing policy, national health scheme, Nigeria's economic policies were all fiasco. Hence, this paper examined the factors responsible for failed policies that crippled development. The study employs the historical method with the application of social contract theory. The paper discovers that Nigeria's leaders are grossly irresponsible and view good governance
as a mirage. Hence, the conversion of public funds to private use. The paper reveals that most of the funds budgeted for policies are siphoned by the leaders in collaboration with other stakeholders. The paper therefore, recommended among others that the masses should participate in the implementation of policies meant for their welfare and lastly there should be strict enforcement of the rule of law on all defaulters of the process of policies metamorphosis into development irrespective of social status.