Gusau International Journal of Management and Social Sciences

Environmental, Social and Governance Disclosures and Value of Firms Listed on the Premium Board of Nigeria Exchange

Oluwamayowa Olalekan Iredele — 2026-01-13

Stakeholders now expect the companies to be further helpful by presenting evident and significant information that are both monetary and non-monetary in nature. The study exertion is baseline research, intended to acquire realistic proof on the impact of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) disclosures on the value of firms registered on the premium board of Nigeria. An ex-post facto research design was used to gather secondary data from the sustainability and annual reports of 8 companies over 7 years (2017–2023), yielding 56 observations. Regression model is used to analyze the hypotheses and descriptive analysis was utilized in assessing the data. The results showed negative but insignificant relationship between firm value and ESG disclosures. This result implies that ESG disclosures have not yet produced substantial advantages for investors in Nigeria. However, businesses may use sustainability reporting to improve their reputation or comply with regulations, but this hasn't yet produced the signaling effect. This outcome underscores the need for companies to enhance the quality, consistency, and materiality of their ESG reports. Although the study's conclusions might shed light on the Nigerian situation, it's possible that they won't apply directly to further countries or international markets due to the chosen research approach. The study offers a quantitative basis for ESG reporting in developing nations and emphasizes the necessity for businesses to improve the caliber and strategic coherence of ESG disclosures to possibly affect firm value down the road.

Revisiting Nigeria’s Indigenous Industries in Niger State for Students Entrepreneurship in Tertiary Institutions

Paul Boku Kolo — 2026-01-13

Nigeria is endowed with diverse indigenous industries that embody cultural heritage, creativity, and economic resilience. In Niger State, traditional crafts such as blacksmithing, weaving, pottery, leatherwork, and food processing have historically served as vital sources of livelihood. However, the influence of modernization and neglect has led to their decline, even as graduate unemployment continues to rise. This study revisits Nigeria’s indigenous industries in Niger State with a focus on their relevance for fostering student entrepreneurship in tertiary institutions. The study identifies major indigenous industries in the state by examining the challenges confronting them, and explores how their knowledge and practices can be integrated into entrepreneurship education for students. A descriptive research design is used, using qualitative methods. Data were collected through interviews with students, artisans, and, educators. The information gotten was analyzed and translated using thematic analysis. The outcome results indicate that indigenous industries in Niger state remain viable but are underutilized due to lack of modernization, low government support, and limited student exposure. Findings are anticipated which shows that integrating indigenous industry practices into tertiary entrepreneurship curricula will enhance students’ creativity, self-reliance, and job creation potential.

Evaluation of Tax Reforms in Nigeria: Pre-Colonial Era to Tax Act 2025

Eguono Evi Ejuvwiekoko — 2026-01-13

The study evaluates tax reforms in Nigeria: their features, implementations, and limitations. Tax reform issues in Nigeria have been on the front burner from one successive government to another. The whole idea is to diversify the revenue from a non-oil-dependent, revenue-based economy to an oil revenue-based economy and also foster an efficient administrative tax system in Nigeria. The study employed the library research method in examining the trajectory of Nigeria’s tax system, commencing before the pre-colonial era through the landmark tax reform of 1978 to the recent tax reforms of 2025. The study highlights features, achievements, and comparisons of successive tax reforms in Nigeria to the 2025 tax reform. The study reveals that while successive tax reforms progressively made some impact in the Nigerian tax landscape by increasing tax revenue (Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio from 10 percent to 13.5 percent in two years after the implementation of the 2020 tax reform). FIRS were able to achieve this milestone through the introduction of some form of taxes (VAT, education tax) and the use of self-assessment and digital tax filing. However, systemic challenges such as weak implementation, exclusion of the informal sector, and fragmented administration still persist. The 2025 tax reform may mark a huge turn in the Nigeria tax system by integrating technology-driven solutions, compulsory digital services, crypto-currency taxation, a unified tax collection system, and an interface with performance monitoring tools such as revenue efficiency and performance index, with a target of a tax-to-GDP ratio of 18 percent in 2027. The study concludes by predicting that the 2025 tax reforms will enhance digital capacity, while citizen engagement is crucial for Nigeria to achieve long-term revenue sustainability.

Classified Organisations’ Personnel Burnout Effects and Performance Outcomes: Mediating Role of Job Satisfaction

Ayenumelo Olamigoke Fagbuyi — 2026-01-13

Classified personnel, particularly those working for intelligence and security organisations, are subjected to high psychological and operational pressures that influence their well-being and performance. This study investigates the role of job satisfaction as a mediating factor in the interaction between work environment, job demand, transactional stress, and social support on performance outcomes in Nigeria's classified sector. 344 respondents were chosen by random sampling, and Likert-scale 1 – 7 questionnaires were used to gather data. SmartPLS v4.1.0.1 and SPSS v25 were used for descriptive and inferential analysis. Results show that the impacts of all four exogenous variables on performance are considerably mediated by job satisfaction. Supportive work environments improved performance and satisfaction, and high job demand also had a beneficial impact, suggesting that employees are resilient. Through satisfaction, social support and transactional stress also affected results. At the 5% level, every hypothesis was accepted. The study emphasises the necessity for emotionally helpful work environments and incorporates the Job Demand-Control-Support and Social Support theories within Nigeria's classified agencies. To prevent burnout and maintain high performance, institutional changes including planned rest, psychological support, and compassionate leadership are suggested. Despite data restrictions brought on by confidentiality requirements, the results provide a distinctive perspective on the psychological makeup of classified personnel, with ramifications for human resource planning and national security management.

Effect of Naira Redesign Policy on the Performance of SMEs in Yenagoa Metropolis, Bayelsa State

Ebierinyo Ayebaemi PhD Akarara — 2026-01-13

The Naira redesign policy introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in 2022 aimed to curb inflation, reduce counterfeiting, and promote a cashless economy. However, its abrupt implementation disrupted cash-dependent Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), particularly in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where digital payment infrastructure remains underdeveloped. While prior studies on currency reforms often focus on large economies or short-term effects, this study addresses a critical gap by examining the policy’s localized impact on SMEs in a region with low financial inclusion, providing context-specific insights absent in broader analyses. Using a cross- sectional design, data were collected from 360 SMEs via structured questionnaires, analyzed descriptively (mean, SD) and inferentially. Findings reveal statistically significant negative effects: reduced sales revenue (mean = 3.28), profitability decline (mean = 3.53), and cash flow disruptions (mean = 3.42), all scoring above the neutral midpoint (3.0) with narrow standard deviations (0.597–0.858), indicating high consensus. Challenges included limited access to new notes (mean = 3.25), operational cost increases (mean = 3.39), and customer distrust (mean = 3.48). Despite these setbacks, the policy spurred digital payment adoption (mean = 3.26), though SMEs faced implementation barriers like infrastructure gaps. The study underscores the need for phased monetary reforms complemented by targeted support for SMEs. Policy recommendations include: (1) CBN-led SME sensitization programs to improve policy awareness, (2) subsidized POS/Fintech partnerships to reduce digital transition costs, and (3) liquidity buffers for rural financial institutions to mitigate cash shortages. These measures, tied to regulatory action, could balance macroeconomic goals with SME resilience in cash-dependent regions.

Unraveling the Impact of Oil Price Volatilities on Government Recurrent Expenditure in Nigeria

Bright Orhewere — 2025-10-20

This study investigates the fiscal repercussions of crude oil price volatility on government recurrent expenditure (RGEXP) in Nigeria from 1970 to 2022. Employing a three-step econometric approach, it begins with unit root tests using ADF, PP, and KPSS, which reveal a mixture of I(0) and I(1) series. The Bounds Testing technique confirms long-run cointegration among the variables, justifying the use of Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) for estimation. The results show RGEXP responds quickly to oil market disruptions, with stronger reactions in early periods. Internal shocks initially dominate, but external factors—especially government revenue (GOVR) and domestic debt (DDT)—grow increasingly impactful over time. GOVR is consistently the most significant determinant of RGEXP, while DDT’s influence intensifies in post-shock scenarios. Real GDP plays a moderate role in later periods, reflecting economic adaptation. Policy implications include the urgent need for fiscal reforms: diversify revenue sources beyond oil through tax optimization and non-oil sector growth, implement medium-term debt sustainability frameworks, and adoption oil price risk management tools such as hedging and adaptive fiscal rules. These measures aim to enhance Nigeria’s economic resilience, stabilize recurrent spending, and promote sustained macroeconomic stability.

Economic Recession and Youth Unemployment in Nigeria

Michael A. AMAEGBERI — 2025-10-20

This study investigates how economic recessions impact youth unemployment in Nigeria. Secondary data on youth unemployment rate (YUEMP), recession periods (ERES) and Inflation (INF) were sourced from CBN statistical bulletin and World Bank Indicators. The ordinary least square (OLS) estimation method and the error correction model were used. Findings revealed that economic recession has a positive and significant impact on youth unemployment rate in Nigeria (i.e. β = 0.36, p < 0.05). While inflation rate bears a negative and significant impact on youth unemployment rate in Nigeria (i.e., β = -3.47, p < 0.01). Findings suggest recessions disproportionately hurt youth due to structural labor market flaws. Based on the above, the study concludes that economic recessions have a profound and lasting effect on youth unemployment in Nigeria, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities in the labour market. It is thus important for policymakers to prioritize vocational training and economic diversification in Nigeria.

Influence of Entrepreneurship Skills and Incentives on Promoting Local Economic Growth among Students in Colleges of Education in North Central, Nigeria

Muhammed Mallam Isgogo — 2025-10-20

This study assesses the influence of entrepreneurship skills and incentives on local economic growth among students in Colleges of Education in North Central region of Nigeria. The study evaluates the effect of entrepreneurship skills possessed by students in Colleges of Education on local economic growth and also examine the role of incentives provided to students in promoting local economic growth in North Central Nigeria. Data were obtained from 378 students randomly selected from seven Colleges of Education across the region, using a validated questionnaire. Descriptive and logistic regression was adopted to analyze the data with STATA software at a 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed that students equipped with entrepreneurship skills were significantly more likely to contribute to local economic growth through business creation, innovation, and job generation. Incentives such as training, mentorship, and limited financial support also had a significant positive impact on students' entrepreneurial intentions. Also lack of startup capital, inadequate mentorship and insufficient incentives are the major barriers that hinder the translation of entrepreneurship skills to ventures by students across Colleges of education in the region. The study concludes that practical entrepreneurship education, supported by adequate incentives, is key to grassroots economic development, and recommends among other that State Governments and stakeholders in the North Central region, in collaboration with Colleges of Education, should develop a Student Venture Fund that provides small, accessible seed grants and connects student entrepreneurs with verified mentors from the local business community.

Marketing Ethics and Consumer Buying Behaviour in Informal Retail Settings: A Desk Research Approach

Ahmed AbdulGaniyu Olowo — 2025-10-20

The vibrant informal markets, where ethical practices or lack thereof play a crucial role in influencing customer purchasing behaviour, despite their unstructured formation. This study examines the connection between consumer purchasing behaviours and marketing ethics in informal retail settings. The study adopted a desk research methodology; the scope covers ethical marketing dimensions such as honest advertisement and transaction transparency as they influence consumers’ purchasing decisions in informal retail settings. This study relies on secondary data sources, including peer-reviewed journal articles, books, institutional reports, and credible online publications related to the theme of the study. A qualitative content analysis technique was employed to interpret and synthesise existing literatures. The examined literature was systematically reviewed, coded, and categorised under thematic areas such as ethical practices in informal markets, honest advertisement, and transaction transparency. A systematic review of 31 peer-reviewed journals revealed that a majority of studies (17/31) found a positive relationship between honest advertising and purchase intention and (14/31) peer- reviewed journals examined revealed a positive relationship between transaction transparency and consumers' word-of-mouth recommendations. These syntheses provide a foundational model for understanding ethical decision-making in informal retail and suggest stakeholders should be proactive about consumer trust. The study concludes that moral responsibility and transparent communication are core drivers of consumer behaviour even in non-regulated market spaces, thereby offering new insights for policymakers, marketers, and entrepreneurs seeking to formalise and professionalise the informal retail sector. The study recommends that stakeholders should prioritise ethical marketing practices to build long-term relationships with the target audience.

Impact of Government Intervention on Academic Staff Productivity in Colleges of Education in North-Central Nigeria

Muhammad Muhammad Shaku — 2025-10-20

The study examined the impact of government interventions on academic staff productivity in government-owned Colleges of Education in North-Central Nigeria. Guided by two objectives with corresponding research questions and hypotheses, the study adopted a descriptive survey design. From a population of 3,098 academic and management staff, a sample of 346 was selected using a stratified sampling technique to ensure proportional representation. Out of the 346 questionnaires administered, 315 were retrieved and analysed. Data were collected using a self- developed instrument titled Government Interventions and Academic Staff Productivity and Performance Questionnaire (GIASPPQ), validated by experts and pilot-tested with 50 staff at Kaduna State College of Education, Gidan Waya, yielding a reliability coefficient of 0.75. Descriptive statistics (weighted mean, benchmark = 3.50) and inferential tests (one-sample t-test and chi-square) were conducted using Stata software at the 0.05 level of significance. Results revealed that government interventions significantly enhanced academic staff productivity (p < 0.05). Among identified challenges, only one variable (Chall5) showed a significant association with age (χ² = 23.37, df = 12, p = 0.025). It was recommended that government should expand TETFund’s capacity-building programmes and link future grants to measurable improvements in research output and teaching performance.

An Assessment of Public Servants’ Awareness Regarding Records and Information Security in Zanzibar’s Public Sector

Haji Mdungi Haji — 2025-10-20

This study assesses the level of awareness among public servants in Zanzibar’s public sector regarding records and information security. In an era where data integrity and confidentiality are critical to effective governance, the role of public servants in safeguarding organizational information has become increasingly vital. Despite the growing importance of secure information management, gaps in awareness and inconsistent practices pose significant risks to institutional performance and public trust. Using a descriptive mixed-methods approach, the research targeted selected ministries, departments, and agencies through surveys, interviews, and document reviews. The findings reveal varying levels of understanding of records management policies and cybersecurity procedures, with many respondents demonstrating limited familiarity with best practices. Key challenges include inadequate training, outdated systems, and weak enforcement mechanisms. The study highlights the urgent need for policy reforms, capacity-building initiatives, and technological upgrades to enhance information security across the public sector. In identifying critical areas for improvement, the research contributes to the development of more robust data protection strategies and supports the delivery of transparent and accountable public services in Zanzibar.

Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism Strategies in Nigeria: Balancing Security and Human Rights

Oluwatobi Peter ADENIYI — 2025-10-20

Terrorism is a complex global issue that has significantly impacted the security of human life and property. This has necessitated various counter-terrorism strategies in Nigeria. However, counter- terrorism strategies that are intended to address the menace have frequently engendered some human rights abuses. Thus, this paper examined terrorism and counter-terrorism strategies in Nigeria with a view to balancing security and human rights. It made use of desk review, while the public choice theory was adopted as framework of analysis. The paper argued that terrorism in Nigeria dated back to the era of slavery, where European imperialists exploited human resources and transformed over the years with serious negative impacts. It was revealed that various counter- terrorism strategies which included the conciliatory, criminal justice and military models were adopted by country though the military model was prioritised. The paper revealed that counter- terrorism strategies adopted often infringed on citizens’ rights to life, privacy, unlawful arrest, detention and torture, personal security, freedom of association and discrimination against people arrested as suspects of terrorism charges. It concluded that security agencies during counter- terrorism operations on many occasions, end-up violating rights of the people in the country. It recommended, among others, that government should set up judicial investigation into the abuses of security forces’ counter-terrorism operations and ensure that those found guilty be punished. Also, the government should ensure that counter-terrorism strategies adhere strictly to international humanitarian law, with a view to prioritising civilian protection and human rights.

Substance Use, Mental Disorder and Criminal Behaviour among Adolescents in Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, North- Central, Nigeria

Edward Ukwubile Egwuaba — 2025-10-20

Adolescent substance use is a major public health, mental health, and security challenge in Nigeria, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. This study explored the relationships among substance use, mental disorders, and criminal behaviour, guided by Social Disorganization Theory, which links weakened community structures and poor social control to deviant behaviour. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 400 adolescents aged 13–19 years, selected through multistage sampling across urban and rural communities. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analysed with SPSS 25 using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression. Results revealed alcohol (51.5%), cigarettes (39.0%), and cannabis (32.0%) as the most commonly used substances. Depression (59.6%) and aggression (54.0%) were prevalent mental health issues, while theft (43.0%), violence (37.0%), and cultism (26.8%) were common among substance users. Key predictors of use included peer influence, male sex, single-parent households, and low income, yet only 9.5% of adolescents reported access to mental health services. The findings highlight the urgent need for adolescent-focused interventions, including school-based counselling, accessible mental health services, and community-level prevention strategies addressing structural vulnerabilities.

Forced Migration and Access to COVID-19 Services in West Africa

Aondowase Targba — 2025-10-20

Forced migration crises in West Africa are intensified by humanitarian challenges, notably the severe effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in Burkina Faso, Mali, Nigeria, and the Niger Republic. Factors affecting forced migrants' access to COVID-19 services include inadequate institutional capacity, invisible health systems, control by non-state actors over key regions, and inequitable distribution of resources, which exacerbate the pandemic's duration. Public perception, such as beliefs and lack of public trust in COVID-19 policies, affected people's attitudes to the pandemic in West Africa. Lack of inclusion of forced migrants in national response plans affects equitable access and management of the COVID-19 pandemic in the focus countries. This article discusses forced migration and access to COVID-19 services in Burkina Faso, Mali, Nigeria, and the Niger Republic, using reports from secondary sources to inform policy for effective management of the COVID-19 pandemic in West Africa. The paper dwells on the social determinant of health theory, explaining the impact of social and economic status and social cycles on access to COVID-19 services in West Africa. The paper proposes the establishment of funding plans aimed at addressing the needs of forced migrants within National Deployment and Vaccination Plans in West Africa.

Green Marketing Strategies and Sustainable Purchasing Behaviour: Evidence from FMCG Consumers in North-East Nigeria

Butali USMAN — 2025-10-20

Sustainable consumption behaviour has attracted increased attention due to rising environmental challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Consequently, achieving circular economy principles requires sustainable purchasing behaviour, even as consumer awareness continues to increase. At the same time, businesses are implementing green marketing strategies to promote sustainable consumption and satisfy environmentally conscious consumers. However, many consumers are still engaging in unsustainable behaviours, and there is a paucity of empirical evidence on the effectiveness of green marketing strategies in the North-East region of Nigeria. Hence, this study explored the influence of six green marketing strategies on sustainable purchasing behaviour in North-East Nigeria. Guided by the Cue Utilisation Theory (CUT), using a quantitative method, a cross-sectional survey design, and a multistage sampling technique, 353 valid responses were recorded from FMCG consumers in the six states of the North-East using a structured questionnaire. The hypothesised relationships were assessed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). As shown by the results, eco-labelling, eco-branding, and eco-packaging have no significant influence on sustainable purchasing behaviour, indicating that in a post-conflict, resource-constrained context characterised by information asymmetry, consumers prioritise salient extrinsic cues over symbolic or cognitively demanding green signals, consistent with CUT’s cue diagnosticity hierarchy. In contrast, green advertising, green placement, and green pricing significantly increase sustainable purchasing behaviour. The findings emphasise that accessibility, affordability, and effective advertising are critical factors shaping sustainable consumption behaviour in the study context. The study contributes context-specific evidence from a post-conflict region and provides useful guidance for policymakers and managers in designing effective green marketing strategies in Nigeria.

Strengthening Service Delivery in Zanzibar: The Role of Management Practices in Maternal Health Services Delivery

Saada Hamid Mohamed — 2025-10-20

Persistent challenges in maternal health service delivery in Zanzibar remain evident despite sustained investments in infrastructure and workforce development. This study investigates the role of management practices in service delivery effectiveness, with two principal objectives: first, to examine managerial approaches that enable health workers to deliver maternal health services, and second, to identify interventions that facilitate the implementation of services delivered. Employing a qualitative research design, the analysis draws upon interviews, documentations and reviewed literature and official reports. The findings demonstrate that monitoring and evaluation (M&E), technical skills, training and collaboration with development partners quicken the implementation of maternal health programs. Whereby, waiting times during clinic visits, commitment in attending to maternal health seekers and community satisfied with the services provided complement critical determinants of motivation, service quality and accountability. The study concludes that the Ministry of Health Zanzibar should establish participatory M&E and invest in continuous training for coordinators and providers. This will improve accountability, policy translation, and service quality. Stakeholders should expand partnerships with local and global institutions to share knowledge and resources. At the same time, resource allocation and efficiency must be improved to sustain maternal health services.

Digital Electoral Reforms and Democratic Consolidation: A Critical Assessment of BVAS and IReV in the 2023 Nigerian General Elections

Olasupo O. THOMPSON — 2025-10-20

This study critically examines the implementation of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) Portal during Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, assessing their effectiveness in promoting electoral credibility and democratic consolidation. Anchored on Democratic Consolidation Theory and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). The study employs a qualitative research design combining participant observation, media analysis, expert commentary, and secondary data sources. Findings reveal that while BVAS and IReV represented technological milestones, their deployment was undermined by institutional weaknesses, political interference, inadequate training, and compromised transparency. Although the technologies succeeded in reducing some electoral malpractices, challenges such as BVAS malfunction, irregular accreditation, delayed or falsified uploads to IReV, and systemic political violence significantly affected the quality and perception of the elections. The study concludes that technological innovations alone cannot guarantee electoral credibility without simultaneous reforms in political culture, institutional independence, and democratic values.

Leadership, Fairness and Communal Values: A Quantitative Survey of Institutional and Socio-Cultural Drivers of Performance in Zanzibar's Public Sector

Said Hamad Shehe — 2025-10-20

This study examines the influence of leadership, fairness and communal values as key institutional and socio-cultural drivers of employee performance in Zanzibar’s public sector. Specifically, it investigates how leadership practices, perceived fairness in organizational processes, legal institutional frameworks and prevailing communal norms shape employee motivation, productivity and compliance with performance standards. A quantitative descriptive survey design was employed, involving a sample of 126 respondents drawn from a target population of 246 employees at the Ministry of the President’s Office, Constitution, Legal Affairs and Public Services. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques to assess employees’ perceptions of institutional and socio-cultural factors affecting performance. The findings indicate that leadership practices and perceptions of fairness play a central role in influencing employee motivation and adherence to performance expectations, while communal values significantly shape workplace relationships and collective responsibility. However, gaps were identified in the consistent application of fair procedures and in aligning leadership practices with formal performance management frameworks. The study concludes that strengthening fair leadership practices and integrating communal values into institutional performance systems can enhance employee performance. The findings imply that public sector performance reforms in Zanzibar should prioritize leadership development and fairness-oriented policies that are sensitive to the prevailing socio-cultural context.

Agro-Processing Industries and Food Stability in Benue State, 2015-2023

Fidelis Ikade Ochim — 2025-10-20

This study examined agro-processing facilities and food stability in Benue State; from 2015 to 2023, data were gathered through field surveys and analysis of government official documents and reports. The Benue State approved capital estimates as well as Benue State House of Assembly Finance and Appropriation Committee Report from 2015 to 2023 on agro-processing industries and food stability in Benue State were thematically analysed. Findings indicate pervasive agro-processing industries inadequacies in Benue State. Lack of agro based facilities leads to food instability. This also undermines food availability and reducing farm gate prices. Causing substantial post-harvest food losses in Benue State, leading to erratic stability; unstable year-to-year harvests, restricted access; higher prices and limited market reach. The study recommended among others, that Benue State must create robust project management, clear procurement timelines, and accountability mechanisms to ensure that future allocations yield functional processing infrastructure. Only through such reforms, can the State bridge its chronic agro-processing facilities deficit and thereby strengthen the stability of food security across all local government areas. These measures are directed towards the improvement of food stability in Benue State and beyond as the basket of the nation.

Entrepreneurial Leadership Strategy in Public Administration: Challenges and Pathways inLocal Governments in Zanzibar

Ramadhan Abdallah Juma — 2025-10-20

This study investigates the barriers to implementing Entrepreneurial Leadership Strategy (ELS) in Zanzibar’s Local Government Authorities (LGAs) and explores pathways for enhancing adaptive governance. A mixed-methods approach was employed with a total sample of 300 respondents, comprising 210 local government officials, 30 private sector actors, and 60 community elders. Quantitative surveys were complemented by qualitative interviews to capture both perceptions and practices across diverse stakeholder groups. Findings reveal that more than 70% of respondents identified bureaucratic rigidity, hierarchical culture, risk-averse decision-making, and limited leadership innovation as the primary obstacles to ELS adoption. These structural and cultural barriers were found to reinforce systemic inertia, limiting the ability of LGAs to embrace entrepreneurial governance. However, evidence also suggests that employee engagement and innovative leadership practices can mitigate resistance, while resource constraints and inflexible regulatory frameworks continue to pose significant challenges. The analysis is interpreted through Entrepreneurial, Transformational, and Contingency theories, demonstrating that institutional context and leadership behavior jointly determine organizational adaptability. The study contributes to theory by empirically linking structural, leadership, and environmental factors with resistance to entrepreneurial governance. Practically, it recommends integrated interventions such as fostering risk-tolerant leadership, promoting employee participation, and strategically aligning resources and regulations to strengthen service delivery and accelerate socio-economic transformation in Zanzibar’s public sector.

Redefining Public Service Delivery: The Influence of Entrepreneurial Leadership on Efficiency and Accessibility in Zanzibar’s Local Government Authorities

Ramadhan Abdallah Juma — 2025-10-20

Public service delivery in Zanzibar’s Local Government Authorities (LGAs) continues to face inefficiency, limited accessibility, and weak responsiveness. Although decentralization reforms have devolved responsibilities, the role of entrepreneurial leadership in addressing these challenges remains insufficiently understood. This study explores how leadership traits such as adaptability, innovation, and proactive problem-solving influence service delivery outcomes in decentralized governance contexts.A mixed-methods approach was employed across six LGAs in Zanzibar, combining survey data with qualitative insights from focus group discussions and key informant interviews. The findings reveal that while training and development are prioritized, gaps in staff competency, logistical support, and financial resources undermine operational effectiveness. Leadership practices were unevenly applied, often driven by individual initiative rather than systemic integration. Bureaucratic delays and centralized fiscal control further limited responsiveness, creating “capability traps” were reform efforts stall despite leadership initiative.The study concludes that entrepreneurial leadership can enhance service delivery only when embedded within supportive institutional frameworks. It proposes a strategic framework that integrates entrepreneurial leadership with decentralized governance theory, emphasizing institutionalized innovation, participatory mechanisms, and adaptive capacity. These insights contribute to both theory and practice by demonstrating how leadership development, innovation budgets, and participatory accountability can transform local governance in Zanzibar and similar developing contexts.

Funding and Performance of 3-Star Hotels in Port Harcourt

Elekor Goodluck Ogubuike — 2025-10-20

The study looked at how funding affected the operations (performance) of three-star hotels in Port Harcourt, Nigeria's Rivers StateDespite the growing importance of the hospitality sector in Nigeria’s urban economies, particularly in oil-producing cities such as Port Harcourt, existing studies have largely focused on: General hotel performance in Nigeria without disaggregating by hotel category; Financing challenges of SMEs broadly, without sector-specific analysis. Therefore, the research gap lies in the absence of context-specific, category-specific, and funding-focused empirical evidence on 3-star hotels in Port Harcourt. The study’sobjective is to ascertain the importance of funding on the performance of three-star hotels in Port Harcourt. All three-star hotels in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, that were registered with the Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation made up the study's target population. Five managers were chosen from each of the 60 hotels in Port Harcourt, making a total of 300 managers in the sample frame, which included the managerial and administrative staff of the hotels. A standardized questionnaire was used to generate the study's data. Additionally, Chi-Square (X²) inferential statistical methods were used to assess (test) the hypotheses because of its suitability for categorical data analysis, testing relationship between variables and suitability for cross-sectional survey. The study found that funding has significant positive impact on the performance of three-star hotels in Port Harcourt, while inadequate funding has significant negative impact on the performance of three-star hotels in Port Harcourt. The study concluded that funding is crucial to the expansion and development of 3-star hotels in Port Harcourt, which will inevitably improve their service delivery and performance. The study recommended amongst others that since funding has significant positive impact on the performance of three-star hotels in Port Harcourt, 3-star hotel owners should partner with local oil servicing firms and indigenous contractors for equity participation. Also partner with local commercial banks and microfinance institutions to negotiate industry-specific loan packages with lower interest rates and flexible repayment terms. Collective bargaining through hotel associations in Port Harcourt can improve negotiating power. Similarly, 3-star hotel management should collaborate with microfinance banks and commercial banks operating in Rivers State to create hospitality-focused credit schemes.

Exploring Lease Finance, Crowd funding, and Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) as Alternative Sources of Finance for Community Development Projects in Regional and Local Authorities in the Northwest Region of Cameroon: Implications for NDS30

Eyong Ako — 2025-10-20

Access to sustainable financing remains a major challenge for regional and local authorities in Cameroon in their efforts to implement community development projects. Traditional financing sources, including central government transfers and commercial bank loans, have often proven inadequate to meet growing infrastructure and service delivery needs. These constraints have contributed to delays in project implementation and limited development outcomes, particularly in the Northwest Region. This study explores three alternative financing mechanisms—lease finance, crowdfunding, and public–private partnerships (PPPs)—as potential instruments for strengthening local development financing within Cameroon’s decentralized governance framework. Using an exploratory research design grounded in a systematic review of empirical literature and relevant theoretical perspectives, the study examines the applicability, strengths, weaknesses, and contextual suitability of these financing mechanisms for community development initiatives. The findings indicate that lease finance and PPPs provide structured long-term financing opportunities and facilitate risk sharing between public and private actors, thereby enhancing the capacity of local authorities to undertake capital-intensive infrastructure projects. Crowdfunding, on the other hand, offers a complementary grassroots financing mechanism capable of mobilizing community contributions and diaspora resources while promoting citizen participation in development initiatives. Despite these opportunities, institutional weaknesses, limited financial literacy, weak digital infrastructure, and regulatory gaps continue to constrain the effective adoption of these mechanisms. The study therefore recommends targeted policy reforms, strengthened institutional capacity, and improved regulatory frameworks aligned with Cameroon’s National Development Strategy 2030 (NDS30) to facilitate the effective integration of alternative financing mechanisms into local development planning.

Assessing the Impact of Sukuk Bond on Road Transport Infrastructural Development in the North-Eastern Nigeria

Terkura Fella Ayem-Fella — 2025-10-20

One of the most advanced Islamic finance instruments today is the sukuk bond, which can be used as an alternate source of funds to close infrastructure gaps in developing nations like Nigeria. Using a mixed-methods research design, the study examines both the financial mechanisms and developmental outcomes of sukuk-funded road projects. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with four directors from Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Works, while quantitative data were obtained from questionnaires administered to 110 members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in North-East Nigeria. The research addresses two key questions: To what extent have sukuk bonds impacted road network completion and quality in the region? And what challenges have affected sukuk-funded road project implementation? Findings reveal that sukuk bonds had a positive impact on road infrastructure, with the government investing NGN 612 billion (approximately USD 1.526 billion) leading to the completion of 1,862 kilometers of roads. Major projects including Sections II and III of the Kano-Maiduguri Road achieved 100% completion, while Sections IV and V, along with the Mayo Belwa-Jada-Ganye Roads, reached 98%, 68%, and 74.4% completion levels respectively. Regression analysis shows mixed results, with some sukuk indicators demonstrating significant positive effects (p<0.05), while others showed positive but statistically insignificant relationships. Qualitative findings identified security challenges from ISWAP and Boko Haram insurgents as the primary obstacle to project completion. The study concludes that sukuk bonds represent a viable alternative financing mechanism for infrastructure development, though security and project implementation challenges must be addressed. The findings have implications for Islamic finance development, infrastructure policy, and achieving SDGs 8, 9, and 11 in developing countries.