An overview of pseudo-therapeutic approaches to poverty in Nigeria: The citizens and the state

Abstract

Mounting pressures on poverty eradication on world scale is informed by it severity and impact on the poor
and the disadvantaged. In Nigeria for instance, where its large population lived in rural communities and
engaged in subsistence agriculture they are said to be the worse hit; their condition is exacerbated by poor
rural infrastructure, bad governance, unsustainable population growth, ethno-religious and tribal conflicts,
adverse effects of globalization, inappropriate economic policies, HIV/AIDs pandemic among others. This paper
is a general survey of therapeutic approaches on poverty issue in Nigeria. It delved into theoretical and
empirical postulations of causes and types as well as attempt to chat a course for critical examination of the
depth and magnitude of poverty. The survey drew curtain on the relationship between the citizens and the state
in a post-colonial Nigeria. The broad focus of this work hinged on the premise of prevailing trend of poverty in
Nigeria and the inadequacies of governmental policies and actions to meet up the yearnings and aspirations of
its citizens. The work finally identified the deepening crisis of development in Nigeria as a function of
mismanagement, corruption, inequitable distribution of political power and resources. The general perception
of the recent economic reform policy in the country is that the policies are alien and western oriented meant to
deepen the existing economic gap in the society. This notion has led to the situation of citizens verses the
state in series of unhealthy engagements since the reconstitution of democratic institutions in the country.