The performance of firms in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry depends not only on product quality but also on the effectiveness of distribution channels in delivering products to consumers at the right place, time, quantity, and price. This study examined the influence of distribution channel practices on consumer disconnect, measured through customer engagement, and its implications for economic development in Rivers State, Nigeria. A quantitative survey design was employed. Data were collected from 256 marketing, sales, distribution, and key-account managers as well as major distributors across 32 registered FMCG firms. Descriptive statistics and linear regression analysis (SPSS version 25) were used. Results showed significant positive relationships between digital distribution practices (R² = .785), channel responsiveness (R² = .639), information sharing (R² = .742) and customer engagement. The study concludes that effective distribution channel practices strengthen manufacturer–consumer relationships, reduce disconnect, and support firm performance and economic development. Firms are advised to expand digital platforms, improve responsiveness, and strengthen information-sharing mechanisms. Read more

This study investigates the impact of climate finance on inclusive growth in sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on income inequality, poverty, and employment. Using panel data for 23 countries from 2000 to 2022 and applying second-generation panel estimators that account for cross-sectional dependence and heterogeneity, the analysis finds that climate finance has weak and statistically insignificant effects on the inclusive growth indicators. The results suggest that climate finance, in its current form, has not translated into broad-based social and economic inclusion in the region. Instead, inclusive growth dynamics are largely shaped by institutional quality, demographic pressure, and common regional trends. These findings highlight the importance of complementary institutional and social policies to enhance the inclusiveness of climate-related financial flows in sub-Saharan Africa. Read more

Bayelsa State, despite its strategic economic significance as a major oil and gas producer in Nigeria, faces a critical development paradox: immense natural resource wealth coexists with severe infrastructural deficits and limited research capacity. This paper analyzes the existing policy landscape and proposes a comprehensive framework of integrated strategies designed to build a robust, sustainable, and impactful research infrastructure ecosystem. Such an ecosystem is fundamental for driving economic diversification, addressing unique environmental challenges like oil pollution and coastal erosion, fostering innovation, and achieving the state's long-term development goals as outlined in its "ASSURED Agenda" . By leveraging strategic partnerships, targeted investments, and smart governance structures, Bayelsa can transform its economy from resource-dependent to knowledge-driven. Read more

Purpose: This study investigated the intersection of management theories, technology adoption enablers, and I4.0 technologies' collective impact on business growth and economic development in Africa. Design/methodology: The study used a systematic narrative and analytic literature review method to gather metadata on the relationship and interaction study variables. We used fuzzy interpretative structural modelling (Fuzzy-ISM) in the Python programming language to model metadata from 40 pieces of literature reporting the study theme interactions, aiming to understand the relationship and interaction between MT, technology adoption enablers, and I4.0 technologies. Findings: The findings indicate that integrating I4.0 technologies with conventional manufacturing techniques can revolutionise industrial processes, boost productivity, and stimulate entrepreneurial innovation. The findings further validate that factors such as digital transformation, innovation, and collaboration play essential roles in facilitating the adoption of I4.0 technology. Nonetheless, obstacles like technological disruption, skill gaps, and socioeconomic issues present considerable hurdles to the adoption of I4.0 technology among businesses in Africa. Practical implication: The study emphasises the importance of strategic alignment between MTs, enablers, and I4.0 technologies to accelerate business growth, Africa’s industrialisation, and economic growth, although this requires substantial investments and localised adaptation. Originality/value: Overall, the study provides valuable insight into how African businesses can leverage I4.0 technologies to drive sustainable development while mitigating the risks associated with technological adoptions. Read more

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of development trends in Ghana and Nigeria over the period from 2003 to 2023, using data sourced from the World Bank's World Development Indicators database. The study focuses on key economic indicators such as GDP growth and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows, alongside social indicators including literacy rates, life expectancy, poverty levels, school enrollment, gender parity, and political stability. The analysis reveals distinct trajectories in the development of both countries, highlighting Ghana's more consistent economic growth, driven by strategic policies in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. In contrast, Nigeria's development is characterized by significant volatility, primarily due to its heavy reliance on oil exports and challenges in achieving political stability. Social indicators demonstrate that while both countries have made progress in improving literacy and life expectancy, Ghana exhibits stronger performance in education access and gender parity. Nigeria, however, faces persistent poverty levels and political instability, which hamper its development efforts. The comparative analysis underscores the importance of effective policy implementation in driving development outcomes. It identifies the need for Nigeria to diversify its economy, enhance educational and healthcare systems, and improve governance to achieve sustainable growth. For Ghana, continued investment in infrastructure and education, alongside efforts to maintain political stability, will be crucial in sustaining its development momentum. This paper concludes with recommendations for policy interventions aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by each country. It also suggests areas for future research, including the exploration of sector-specific policies and their impact on economic and social development. Read more

This study investigates the distributional influence of financial development and economic growth on environmental sustainability in Nigeria. The study utlilized the novel quantile-based autoregressive distributed lag (QARDL) model. The findings reveal several critical insights: First, financial development significantly deteriorates environmental quality in both the short and long term, as evidenced by its positive impact on CO₂ emissions and ecological footprints across most quantiles—particularly at middle and upper quantiles where the effect intensifies. This confirms the distributional nature of financial development’s environmental impact, indicating that economic expansion through financial deepening has been accompanied by higher environmental costs. Second, the findings on economic growth support the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis, showing that environmental degradation initially rises with growth but eventually declines at higher levels of income. This transition point, however, appears to occur only at upper quantiles, suggesting that Nigeria is still in the earlier stages of the EKC trajectory Third, the findings support the presence of asymmetry in the growth-finance-environmental quality relationship and underscore the distributional nature of the relationship across different environmental states. The study recommends the introduction of environmental risk assessments and sustainability criteria in financial sector lending and investment decisions and incentivises green financing products such as renewable energy loans, sustainable infrastructure bonds, etc. Furthermore, the government should channel economic growth toward sectors with lower carbon intensity through targeted tax incentives and subsidies. Read more

This study seeks to investigate Entrepreneurial Competencies in Home Economics education for National Economic Development of Nigeria with a view to ascertain the specific role the Entrepreneurship component of Home Economics education plays in standard of living of the graduates and National economic development. The study adopted a systematic review approach to review over Eighty (80) empirical and quality research findings and views of several researchers on related studies from reputable international journals. This study concludes after a systematic and extant review of reputable and empirical studies of related areas that there is a direct connection between Entrepreneurial Competencies in Home Economics and Nigeria’s Economic Development. This result implies that the entrepreneurship component of Home Economics Education has contributed and is still contributing to Nigeria’s Economic Development through employment creation which contributes to the increase in GDP. The study also discovered that Home economics’ mission to improve family well-being, and national development along with its multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, context-based, and skills-based nature, makes it an ideal field for the integration of entrepreneurship knowledge. The knowledge and skills learned in home economics, including consumer education, household resource management skills, and HE-related marketable skills, provide the ideal combination to improve the sustainability of micro and small businesses. The study recommends that the Federal government creates a national policy on aggressive Entrepreneurship implementation to drastically reduce youth unemployment and crime in view of proven contributions of Entrepreneurship education to National Economic Development of Nigeria. Read more

This study examines the interrelationship between economic transformation and financial literacy, as well as their collective influence on the development of human capital in Africa. Utilizing a quantitative research methodology, the analysis incorporated data obtained from sources including the World Development Indicators (WDI) and the United Nations (UN), encompassing the timeframe from 2003 to 2024. The Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) was utilized as the estimation technique to mitigate potential endogeneity and to ensure the robustness of the findings. The findings underscore that although economic transformation plays a crucial role in the advancement of human capital, its complete potential is only actualized when it is accompanied by extensive financial literacy. Financial literacy enhances individuals' ability to make informed decisions, thereby magnifying the advantages of economic growth. The policy implications of the study underscore the necessity of incorporating financial literacy into educational curricula, advocating for the advancement of inclusive economic policies, and utilizing technology to enhance access to financial education. Future research endeavors should investigate the regional disparities in the effects of financial literacy, the significance of digital financial inclusion, and the interaction between governance and the development of human capital within the African context. Read more

This study critically evaluates proactive strategies employed to combat drug trafficking and money laundering in Nigeria, specifically assessing the efficacy and implications of the Buba Marwa Model. Under Mohammed Buba Marwa’s leadership since 2021, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) adopted rigorous, intelligence-led operations, enhanced inter-agency cooperation, and community-centred preventive education to tackle these interconnected crimes. Utilizing a qualitative methodology, including content analysis of official reports and thematic analysis of interviews with key stakeholders, the research reveals significant improvements, notably heightened drug seizures and dismantling of illicit financial networks. Despite these gains, persistent challenges such as insufficient funding, and socio-economic vulnerabilities impede sustained effectiveness. The study situates these findings within Routine Activity and Deterrence Theories, highlighting the necessity of increasing enforcement capabilities, regulatory rigor, and community empowerment. The analysis emphasises the critical importance of robust institutional reforms, regional and international collaboration, and policy initiatives addressing economic inequalities. In Conclusion, the Marwa Model demonstrates significant potential for improving Nigeria's national security and economic stability but requires sustained political commitment and comprehensive strategies to achieve lasting impacts. Read more

The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transformed the entrepreneurial landscape in Nigeria, creating both possibilities and challenges for local business owners. This study investigates the relationship between entrepreneurship, development communication, and AI in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for businesses to adapt their communication strategies to succeed. It examines the Nigerian context, cultural factors, and technological infrastructure to offer effective AI-driven communication strategies for entrepreneurs. The study provides valuable insights for Nigerian entrepreneurs aspiring to flourish in the AI era. By implementing effective communication strategies, they can boost their visibility, establish credibility, and foster business growth in an AI-dominated market. This study emphasizes the critical role of strategic communication in empowering entrepreneurs to overcome AI-related challenges and fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. It provides actionable advice on harnessing communication for entrepreneurial success in Nigeria's digital era. The recommendations are tailored to entrepreneurs, policymakers, educational institutions, and the private sector, aiming to create a dynamic economy that utilizes AI as a driver of growth and development. Read more