Public Policy Implementation and Youth Unrest in the Niger Delta Area: A Study of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)

Abstract

Public policies are key tools in addressing societal problems and instilling stability in the society. This paper examined public policy implementation and youth unrest in the Niger Delta Area of Nigeria: A study of the Niger Delta Area Development Commission (NDDC). The paper is anchored on the structural-functionalist theoretical persuasion. The paper employed a descriptive survey design and relied on a 4-point likert scale questionnaire to generate primary data. Population for the paper was based on the National Bureau for Statistics Population Projection for 2022 for the three core Niger Delta States (that is; Rivers State, Delta State and Bayelsa State), which is put at 15,650,300. The sample size for the paper is 400 determined via the use of the Taro Yamane Formula. Generated data was analyzed using frequencies, mean ratings and simple percentages. The paper found out that there is a relationship between public policies implemented by the NDDC and youth unrest, because poor implementations of it’s adopted policies were unable to curb the menace of youth unrest in that area. Accordingly, the paper recommends amongst others; that government should adopt an efficient approach in combating the critical challenges that lead to youth unrest in that area. This should include addressing the deplorable situation of the environment, underdevelopment and poverty just empowering militants alone.

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