STATE INTERVENTIONISM POLICY AND POVERTY REDUCTION IN NORTH-CENTRAL NIGERIA.

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of state interventionism through the N-Power program in North-Central Nigeria from 2016 to 2023, addressing poverty and human development challenges in a region marked by high poverty rates (38.9% nationally, World Bank, 2024). In North-Central Nigeria, programs like N-Power aim to enhance education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, yet their efficacy is questioned amid ethnic conflicts and federalism complexities (Adebayo, 2022). The problem lies in under-explored legal frameworks, unclear impacts on human development indices, and socio-political barriers like patronage, necessitating a region-specific analysis (Akinola, 2019; World Bank, 2024). The objectives are to examine the legal and institutional frameworks. The study is grounded in Neoclassical Theory, emphasizing efficient resource allocation and Policy Feedback Theory, highlighting governance feedback loops. A mixed-methods approach was employed. Findings reveal that the strength of the legal and institutional framework significantly predicts the effectiveness and sustainability of the N-Power programme across North-Central Nigeria (β = 0.621, p < .01). The regression model explains approximately 58.4% of the variance in programme success indicators, indicating a strong association between institutional stability and implementation efficiency. Quantitative results show moderate institutional effectiveness (M = 2.9), with consistent reports of bureaucratic delays and fiscal unpredictability weakening overall performance. The study concludes that while N-Power demonstrates institutional reach and potential for social transformation, its sustainability is constrained by weak legal anchoring, poor intergovernmental coordination, and irregular budgetary releases. It recommends establishing a clear legal framework, enhancing fiscal transparency, and strengthening institutional coordination to ensure programme continuity and accountability.