The PRSP and poverty reduction : problems of design and implementation in Nigeria (2000-2014)

Abstract

The Nigerian government’s stated objective for participating in the PRSP is to initially, reduce poverty by 2015 and to eventually eradicate poverty by 2025. This thesis uses the case of the Nigerian PRSP to determine if the country is meeting these objectives. The thesis argues that the poverty reduction programme in Nigeria, guided by the PRSP, has failed to achieve its objective of reducing poverty. This claim is supported by the poverty data in Nigeria which proves that poverty is at its highest rate presently in Nigeria, despite the programmes and activities put in place to stem and reverse it. The data from the MDG implementation efforts in Nigeria reveal shortcomings such as insincere participation, a weak governance structure, poor financial management arrangements, poor coordination arrangements and poor donor policy alignment among others. The thesis concludes by offering some recommendations for a more effective poverty reduction strategy.