Contemporary Trends in Development Planning in Nigeria (2013-2025)

Abstract

Developmental challenges of a country may hardly be surmounted without a clear blueprint that identifies societal problems through well-articulated objectives, strategies to be adopted and relevant institutions for implementation. This explains the increase in number of countries drawing national development plans. It further underscores the numerous development plans in Nigeria since independence which many studies have investigated, especially those initiated between 1946 and 2012. However, little attention has arguably been given to Nigeria’s development plans in over a decade, which necessitates this paper that seeks to examine contemporary trends in the country’s development planning from 2013 to 2025. The study utilised secondary data and textual analysis to interrogate development plans within the period. Consequently, the study submits that development plans within this period recorded insignificant success. In highlighting some of the issues responsible for the poor performance of the development plans, the paper recommends sustained emphasis on bureau-professionalism anchored on the Weberian merit-driven nuances, and institutionalising the inclusive model of national planning among others.