Nigeria state polls raise hopes for governance reform

2015 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Federal Government ◽  
Democratic Party ◽  
Central Planning ◽  
Dynamic State ◽  
State Governments ◽  
Governance Reform ◽  
The South ◽  
Content Type ◽  
National Budget

Subject Gubernatorial polls and the devolution outlook. Significance The All Progressives Congress (APC) won 20 out of the 29 states that held elections for governorships and assemblies on April 11. While the majority of the remaining seven states had been won by the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in by-elections last year, the APC has broadly repeated its victory in the presidential polls. Over the next four years, incoming state administrations will be spending nearly half of the national budget to develop services and infrastructure under a new federal government that has promised greater devolution of powers. Impacts The PDP will have to re-grow its party from a much-reduced regional powerbase in the south-south and south-east of the country. Problematic elections in PDP states may sow the seeds for continued localised instability and security problems. Longer term, more dynamic state governments may spearhead a more localised infrastructure boom not as reliant on central planning. Whether the APC can meet the high bar set by Lagos elsewhere will depend on the quality of its candidates locally.

US fiscal deal will not solve migration debate

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Federal Government ◽  
Illegal Immigration ◽  
The State ◽  
State Governments ◽  
Immigration Reform ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Immigration Reforms ◽  
Security Enhancements ◽  
Comprehensive Immigration Reform

Significance The move follows the Senate's failure again yesterday to agree on spending priorities and immigration, the same policy disagreements which prevented a spending deal being passed by midnight on January 19. This has thrown the federal government into its first shutdown since 2013. Impacts Trump's support for "comprehensive immigration reform" may not hold. If US economic growth continues, this may push up illegal immigration, absent security enhancements. Challenges from the state governments over immigration reforms are possible. If Republicans are seen as anti-immigrant, gaining non-traditional constituencies' votes, including minorities, will be hard.

Nigeria's opposition could pose renewed challenge

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Niger Delta ◽  
Democratic Party ◽  
Presidential Elections ◽  
The South ◽  
Content Type ◽  
South West ◽  
Security Challenges ◽  
Food Inflation

Subject Nigerian opposition prospects. Significance Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on January 23 issued a scathing rebuke of President Muhammadu Buhari's performance and implored him not to run for re-election in 2019. Although yet to confirm his intentions, Buhari is expected to be the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) standard-bearer once more. Meanwhile, after four years of national opposition, the former ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP, in office 1999-2015) has overcome debilitating internal divisions and could become a serious electoral prospect once more. While this may lead to a competitive election, it could also potentially exacerbate the country’s manifold security challenges. Impacts The PDP could benefit from a proposed alteration to the electoral timetable to hold gubernatorial ahead of presidential elections. Fuel shortages and food inflation, combined with persistent underemployment and unemployment, will undermine Buhari's economic credentials. Violent election flashpoints are likely to include the central states, parts of the south-west (including Lagos) and the Niger Delta.

Mexico tax complaints will fan state-federal tensions

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Federal Government ◽  
Small Proportion ◽  
Regional Inequality ◽  
The Political ◽  
State Governments ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Political Costs ◽  
The Law

Subject Tax tensions. Significance The governors of four states joined forces on April 17 to seek a new fiscal agreement with the federal government. They argue that the 1978 Fiscal Coordination Law (also known as the Fiscal Pact), which establishes a formula by which taxes are transferred to the federal government and redistributed among Mexico’s 32 states, is unfair and that they receive only a small proportion of the resources they contribute. They intend to produce proposals to amend the law this month. Impacts The complaining governors could become leading opposition figures against AMLO and his government. AMLO’s perceived COVID-19 failings will harm his popularity, potentially benefiting governors with presidential ambitions. All states need to increase taxes to curb regional inequality, but this will be resisted by many owing to the political costs of taxation. As long as the current Fiscal Pact remains unchanged, opacity and dependency will define dealings between federal and state governments.

Innovations and innovation capability in palm kernel processing industry in southwestern Nigeria

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 102-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayodeji Bolaji Ilori ◽  
Akinloye Lawal ◽  
Olayemi Oladehinde Simeon-Oke
Keyword(s):  
Palm Kernel ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Sample Population ◽  
Innovation Capability ◽  
The South ◽  
Southwestern Nigeria ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Unit Operations

Purpose This study aims to examine the innovations available in the small-scale palm kernel processing firms in southwestern Nigeria. The sample population of 265 respondents was obtained through respondent-driven sampling tools. The research tools used were questionnaire, personal observations, interviews and secondary data collection approach. The questionnaire was administered to palm kernel processors and elicited information on innovations available in the firms. Both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were used for data analysis. Design/methodology/approach The study area consisted of Oyo, Ogun, Osun and Ondo states in the southwestern Nigeria, because of the abundant supply of palm kernel as well as the presence of small and medium palm kernel oil (PKO) processing firms. The study population consists of all small palm kernel processing enterprises in these states. A total of 265 firms were purposively selected for the study. The sampling procedure involved the initial purposive selection of a palm kernel processing firm in a location, from where other firms within the locality were then identified. The primary data were collected through the use of questionnaire, interview and personal observation. Findings The results of the study showed that only process, organisational and market innovations were recorded by the palm kernel processing firms. Apart from the sieving operation where majority of the firms (91.30 per cent) used manual method, other unit operations were done mechanically. There was evidence of one or two innovation(s) available in the unit operations of these firms. Also, improvements were carried out occasionally in the process and marketing operations; the major sources of ideas for innovation were from related firms and customers. The organisations where majority of these firms had linkage with were Nigeria Palm Kernel Processing Association, government agencies and customer/suppliers. Research limitations/implications The findings are limited to the south-western part of Nigeria, there is need to extend the study to other states in the southern part where palm produce is the major cash crop. This will assist in making better generalisation on the innovation and innovation capability of the processors in Nigeria. Practical implications The study showed that the palm kernel processing firms experienced low innovation capability which could be due to their weak interactions with the knowledge institutions. Hence, there is need for these palm kernel processing firms to establish strong linkage with the knowledge institutions where their innovation capability can be enhanced. Social implications The findings in this paper can serve as an input to the design of policies that can enhance the innovation capability of the various actors in the value chain. This will assist in preventing wastages, increasing the quantity and quality of products and creating job opportunities. This is because the quality of PKO depends on the processing method; hence, better process innovation will improve the characteristics of the oil and widen its application. Originality/value Much has been written about palm kernel processing in medium and large enterprises, but information is still scanty on the small-scale processing enterprises. This paper contributed to knowledge by examining the innovations existing in the palm kernel processing enterprises in the south-western part of Nigeria and the innovation capability possessed by these enterprises.

scholarly journals Commissioning personalised care in the English adult social care sector: an action research model to support leadership development

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janet McCray ◽  
Adam Palmer
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Development ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Action Research ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
The South ◽  
Content Type

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present the perspectives of English adult social care sector partners on the qualifications and standards required for leaders as they prepare to meet the demands of commissioning personalised care. Continuing an action research cycle guided by Coghlan and Brannicks (2010, p. 4) organisational centred model (McCray and Palmer, 2009) it benefits from the previous experience and reflection in action of the partners and researchers. Set in a general social care context, lessons learned from the study outcomes will be of interest to both commissioners of services and service users with acquired brain injury. Design/methodology/approach – A model of action research informed by Coghlan and Brannicks’ (2010, p. 4) organisational centred model focused on context, quality of relationships, quality of the research process and its’ outcomes was used. The role of the authors was to facilitate diagnosis of the leadership issues arising from the implementation of personalised care in the English adult social care sector and in collaboration with sector partners seek resolutions. Six focus groups comprising two commissioners, service providers, user group and care manager/social work leads were facilitated at two separate events in the south of England. Findings – Findings presented are derived from focus group discussions with strategic and organisational leaders and service user partners from the English adult social care sectors. Analysis of focus group data identified a number of themes. The overarching themes of human resource management, gaps in industry standards and leadership are discussed here. Whilst industry sector standard qualifications and frameworks may be at the centre of strategic planning for transformation, findings here have identified that additional support will be required to create leaders who can commission successfully to create cultural change. New approaches to leadership development may be needed to facilitate this process. Research limitations/implications – The study offers a single method qualitative research approach based on two local authorities in the south of England. It presents a localised and particular view of leadership development needs. Practical implications – The paper shows how action research can make a contribution to knowledge and practice. Originality/value – The paper provides interesting new insights into the skills for commissioning in a changing public and third sector environment with reference to commissioning personalised support for people with brain injury.

Mexico health reform success turns on implementation

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Federal Government ◽  
Health Reform ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
State Level ◽  
Medical Attention ◽  
Health Plans ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Implementation Challenges ◽  
The Public

Subject Health plans. Significance President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO) on December 14 announced changes to the public health sector to expand coverage, improve quality of care and guarantee access to free medicines. His plans will see the federal government assume responsibilities previously the remit of state-level authorities. Impacts The overhaul will take place as key institutions in the sector are decentralised, compounding implementation challenges. Without greater investment in prevention in addition to medical attention, improvements in the population’s health will be limited. Centralisation of decision-making and resource allocation will improve monitoring and accountability but not necessarily stop corruption.

Iraqi Kurdistan will face dilemmas over federal ties

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Federal Government ◽  
Democratic Party ◽  
Oil Prices ◽  
Kurdistan Region ◽  
Government Formation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Iraqi Kurdistan ◽  
Long Time

Significance Long-time Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader Masoud Barzani and new Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) chief Bafel Talabani discussed how to form a common front over government formation in Baghdad. The Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) is benefitting from temporary stability linked to higher oil prices. Impacts Kurdish hesitation on whether to commit to a Sadrist-led majority federal government will also simultaneously hold back Sunni groups. Both Turkey and Iran could become more militaristic in their approach to the KRI -- and each other. The intra-PUK deadlock could lead to fighting in Suleimaniya, but mediation is more likely, if senior party figures step up.

US teacher protests also imply other challenges

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
The United States ◽  
State Governments ◽  
Public School Teachers ◽  
Foreign Born ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Labour Unions ◽  
New Recruits ◽  
Political Economic ◽  
Funding Disparities

Subject Education-related protests in the United States, and their wider political, economic and industrial implications. Significance In recent weeks, thousands of US public-school teachers have staged protests or gone on strike over pay levels and working conditions. They are also protesting the quality of teaching materials and buildings for students. Impacts State governments and school districts face more lawsuits over education-funding disparities. Though not exclusively, Republican-controlled states likely face a greater chance of education-related protests. Social media will facilitate the organisation of protests, potentially getting around weak labour unions in right-to-work states. Poor salaries will discourage new recruits and encourage teachers to move states or careers for higher pay. More foreign-born labour (including teachers) may be needed, potentially provoking some domestic pushback.

Nigeria’s opposition will try to maintain unity

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Democratic Party ◽  
The South ◽  
Economic Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Campaign Strategy ◽  
Presidential Nomination ◽  
High Profile ◽  
South West

Subject Nigeria's opposition. Significance The main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is emboldened after scores of recent defections from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Yet the PDP’s chances of winning the 2019 elections may rest on whether it can remain united, with multiple high-profile aspirants, including Senate President Bukola Saraki, vying for its presidential nomination. Impacts Buhari’s delays in passing an amended electoral act will exacerbate fears that he is attempting to undermine scrutiny of next year's vote. Should the wealthy Abubakar fail to garner the PDP nomination, this could hurt the party’s financing and campaign strategy. Defections to the APC in the south-south and south-east are unlikely to bolster support sufficiently to overtake the PDP there. The Buhari administration's poor economic management record may undermine his support in the economically vital south-west.

Assessing the whistleblowing policies of international sport organisations

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pim Verschuuren
Keyword(s):  
Good Governance ◽  
Assessment System ◽  
Governance Reform ◽  
Quality Of Reporting ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Promotion Strategies ◽  
International Sport ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Assessment Questionnaire

PurposeThe implementation of whistleblowing policies is emblematic of the reforms undertaken by international sports organisations in the aftermath of major governance and integrity scandals. However, sport has particular organisational and cultural characteristics that reduce the likelihood of whistleblowing behaviour. This article looks at the quality of reporting policies in sports to assess how far the reporting mechanisms encourage whistleblowers.Design/methodology/approachA whistleblowing policy quality assessment system was built and applied to 45 international sport organisations.FindingsThe research identified 23 reporting mechanisms but, despite marked differences between them, most policies are of low quality. In particular, whistle-blower protection regimes and promotion strategies are lacking.Research limitations/implicationsThe research suggests that reporting mechanisms currently in place are not likely to encourage whistle-blowers and questions the performance of these mechanisms as well as the objectives of the organisations, which may reflect “window-dressing” strategies. This may have implications for other areas of “good governance” reform.Practical implicationsAn assessment questionnaire for sport reporting policies has been created and tested. It was sent to international sport organisations to assist them in identifying policy gaps and improving their policy.Originality/valueThe analysis does not limit itself to the presence or absence of “good governance” measures. It also explores their quality. It proposes a comprehensive assessment grid for whistleblowing policies in international sport that practitioners and researchers may wish to use in future.

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