Women and the Policy Process: Minimum Marriageable Age Policy

                                                                                       Adoption in Nigeria
                                                                                    By Ene Ikpebe, Ph. D.∗

Abstract:
Nigeria has the eleventh highest incidence of early marriage – marriage before the age of 18 – in the
world. This is problematic because early marriage has been shown to have significant health and
socioeconomic disadvantages for girls. In 2003, the Child Rights Act (CRA) was adopted by the federal
government of Nigeria. One of its provisions was a prohibition of early marriage. As of 2022, 25 of
Nigeria’s 36 states had adopted the CRA. However, only 23 have adopted its minimum marriageable age
provision without exception. This paper discusses the factors affecting the adoption of the CRA’s
minimum marriageable age policy, arguing that although religion provides a legitimate perspective on
adoption decisions, women policy actors have also played a significant role. This paper therefore both
presents a more comprehensive approach to understanding this policy process and provides support for
the presence and participation of women in policymaking as an effective approach to the problem of
early marriage.

                                            Rural Development Politics under Prime Minister K.A. Busia of

                                                                                    Ghana, 1969-1972
                                                                          By Kwame Adum-Kyeremeh∗

Abstract:
This article discusses rural development under the Second Republican government of Ghana. While not
directly engaging with the claims of Busia’s unrivalled rural development agenda, this article provides
some perspectives as to why the assertions of unqualified success remain popular. Drawing on
newspapers and published sources, it discusses the Busia government’s rural development program and
accomplishments, and finds that plans to develop rural Ghana date to several years before the Busia
government. By adopting rural development as its flagship program, Busia directed the government and
citizens’ attention towards rapid rural development in the early 1970s. Widespread media publicity has
helped to create the impression that Busia’s government was unrivalled in its rural development focus.
Busia’s interest in rural development was significant, but future researchers may have to interrogate the
assertion that the Progress Party (PP) was responsible for unprecedented progress in Ghana’s rural
areas.

                                               Africa and U. S. Foreign Direct Investments in the 21st Century:

                                                                              The Contours of Global Engagement

                                                                                           By Moses K. Tesi, Ph. D.∗

Abstract:
The focus of this article is to analyze the state of US private investments in Africa, the nature, pattern,
and trend of such investments, and various ideas about factors that have either inhibited or accelerated
the growth of investment flows to countries in the region. US private investments in Africa were
inconsequential from the 1960s to 1990s, but in the 2000s, significant efforts were made by the US
government to encourage, promote, and support private US firms to invest in Africa, and efforts were
also made by African governments to increase US private investments on the continent. My research
shows significant increases in US private investments to the region beginning in 2000, which I attribute
to such efforts partially driven by the goal of challenging China’s surge in Africa. I then look at Africa and
how it compares with other regions in accessing US foreign investments. My findings are that Africa’s
share of US investments is minuscule compared to US investments elsewhere in the world. I conclude
with suggestions on mechanisms that African states could utilize to become more competitive in
attracting US investments.

                                                  Healthcare Policy and Administration in Nigeria: A Critical

                                                                                                        Analysis
                                                                                        By Robert A. Dibie, Ph.D.∗

Abstract
This paper examines the perception of the effectiveness of the healthcare system in Nigeria by citizens
and residents of the country. It argues that the Nigerian government needs to adopt a more pragmatic
healthcare policy, one that could be more effectively implemented. Unlike the old practice of the Ministry
of Health, an innovative approach to healthcare delivery should involve benchmarks, strategic doing, and
coordination of priorities, as well as partnerships with various stakeholders from the private sector,
including nongovernmental organizations and foreign investors. The paper uses quantitative and
qualitative data derived from questionnaire surveys and interviews administered to 3,202 Nigerian
citizens and residents, including professional medical staff at federal, state, and local government levels.
The findings suggest that on one hand there is a negative correlation between the e-governance initiatives
and efficient service delivery by the federal government in Nigeria. On the other hand, there is also a
negative correlation between citizens and federal government relations in the country. Some healthcare
challenges are identified, and recommendations for appropriate policies that could address the current
impediments are offered.