Home › BJAR › Vol 1, Issue 4 › Article
Review Article

Poverty, Social Inclusion and Economic Development in Africa

Emerem Jennifer Obidiebube, Azowue O. Emmanuel, Jude Chidi Ozumba

Click an author's name to view their details

Emerem Jennifer Obidiebube

Peace and Conflict Studies, School of General Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka and Department of Public Administration and Local Government University of Nigeria, Nsukka

Abstract

This research delves into the intricate relationships among poverty, social inclusion, and economic development in Nigeria, emphasising the identification of obstacles to inclusive growth and evaluating the efficacy of current policy measures. Utilising secondary data sources such as academic literature, government reports, and international development publications, the research elucidates that, notwithstanding Nigeria's economic potential and historical instances of GDP growth, pervasive poverty and entrenched social exclusion continue to endure. Significant observations reveal that marginalised demographics, including women, youth, individuals with disabilities, and rural communities, persistently face exclusion from predominant economic and political frameworks. The analysis ascribes this phenomenon to inadequate institutional frameworks, inefficiencies in policy implementation, and disparities across regions. It underscores that economic expansion devoid of social inclusion exacerbates inequality and obstructs sustainable development. The paper culminates in a series of recommendations for comprehensive policy reforms, the enhancement of social protection systems, investment in inclusive education and infrastructure, as well as the promotion of civic engagement. These strategies are crucial for cultivating a more just and thriving Nigerian society.

Keywords: Poverty, Social Inclusion, Economic Development, Nigeria, Policy, Inequality, Marginalization
📄 Read Full Text Open in new tab ↗

How to Cite

APA

Obidiebube, E. J., Emmanuel, A. O., & Ozumba, J. C. (2026). Poverty, Social Inclusion and Economic Development in Africa. British Journal of Advanced Research, 1(4), Article 003. https://doi.org/10.68263/BJAR-NRKQG3S7

MLA

Obidiebube, Emerem Jennifer, Azowue O. Emmanuel, and Jude Chidi Ozumba. "Poverty, Social Inclusion and Economic Development in Africa." British Journal of Advanced Research, vol. 1, no. 4, 2026, article 003. DOI: https://doi.org/10.68263/BJAR-NRKQG3S7

Chicago

Obidiebube, Emerem Jennifer, Azowue O. Emmanuel, and Jude Chidi Ozumba. "Poverty, Social Inclusion and Economic Development in Africa." British Journal of Advanced Research 1, no. 4 (2026): 003. https://doi.org/10.68263/BJAR-NRKQG3S7

References

Adesina, J. O. (2010). Rethinking the Social Policy Interface in Africa. UNRISD Research Paper. Ajakaiye, D. O., & Adeyeye, V. A. (2001). The Nature of Poverty in Nigeria. NISER Monograph Series. Akinyemi, F. O., & Isola, L. A. (2020). Regional disparities and poverty in Nigeria: The role of education and infrastructure. African Development Review, 32(1), 56–68. Ibrahim, J., & Igbuzor, O. (2019). Social Exclusion and Inclusive Development in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Policy and Strategy, 34(2), 78–91. National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). (2020). 2020 Poverty and Inequality in Nigeria: Executive Summary. Abuja: NBS. Obadeyi, J. A., & Bamidele, R. O. (2019). Evaluating Poverty Alleviation Policies in Nigeria. Journal of Public Administration and Development, 29(4), 220–230. OECD. (2012). Promoting Inclusive Growth: Challenges and Policies. OECD Publishing Omotola, J. S., & Aremu, F. A. (2021). The Politics of Social Protection in Nigeria: A Critical Examination of the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP). Journal of African Policy Studies, 27(2), 112–134. Sen, A. (1999). Development as Freedom. Oxford University Press Silver, H. (1994). Social Exclusion and Social Solidarity: Three Paradigms. International Labour Review, 133(5–6), 531–578. UNDP. (2019). Nigeria Human Development Report. New York: United Nations Development Programme. UN Women. (2020). Women’s Participation in Nigeria’s Political Space: Challenges and Opportunities. World Bank. (2013). Inclusion Matters: The Foundation for Shared Prosperity. Washington, DC: World Bank. World Bank. (2021). Nigeria Development Update: Resilience through Reforms. Washington, DC: World Bank. Yusuf, S. (2020). Social Investment and Inclusive Growth in Nigeria. African Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development, 8(1), 45–59.
CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Free to read, share, and adapt with attribution.

Article Access
↓ Download PDF 👁 Read PDF
93
Views
49
Downloads
Metadata
ISSN 3153-709X
Tracking ID BJAR_SEP_26_013
Article No. 003
↓ Download JATS XML
Article Info
Journal BJAR
Volume Vol 1, No 4
Year 2026
Type Review Article
Licence CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Share