Journal of Social Science for Policy Implications

Ecological Determinants and Challenges of Public Policy Formulation and Implementation in Nigeria
Aliyu, M. Kolawole, PhD; Alabi, A. Williams, PhD; Adeowu, A. Wasiu

Abstract
This study examined ecological factors influencing public policies in Nigeria. The study also discussed the challenges militating against effective implementation of public policies and implications of poor ecological understanding for governance in Nigeria. The study is a descriptive one and relied on secondary data from books, internet based materials, journal articles, policy statements, and other relevant government publications. They were content analyzed. The study found that environmental factors have significant influence in the formulation and implementation of public policies in Nigeria and that the factors are spatially determined. The study also found that ecological determinants do not work in isolation but are mutually reinforced to bring about the desired policy outcomes, and that lack of continuity, inadequate human and material resources, sectionalism, ethnic biases and lack of political will account for policy failure at implementation stages in Nigeria. The study also found that the implications of poor ecological understanding by policy makers in the country are that the poor suffer more, dwindling foreign investment by foreigners, increase in cost of governance, and debt accumulation. The study concludes that until the environmental factors and the challenges of policy implementation are given their pride of place, effective policy outcomes are unattainable.

Full Text: PDF DOI: 10.15640/jsspi.v6n1a1