Development Planning in Nigeria: Trends, Challenges, and Prospects for Sustainable Growth (1962–2025)

Inyommom; A. E.; Pawa; S. S.; Iheanacho; A. C.

doi:10.56201/ijebm.vol.12.no3.2026.pg254.269

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Development Planning in Nigeria: Trends, Challenges, and Prospects for Sustainable Growth (1962–2025)

Inyommom, A. E., Pawa, S. S., Iheanacho, A. C.

Abstract

This study critically examines the evolution, performance, and challenges of development planning in Nigeria from the First National Development Plan (1962–1968) to the National Development Plan (2021–2025). The paper adopts a historical and analytical approach to evaluate various development initiatives, including the Second, Third, and Fourth National Development Plans, the Structural Adjustment Programme , Rolling Plans, Vision 2010, NEEDS, Vision 2020, and recent policy frameworks. The study highlights the objectives, achievements, and limitations of each planning phase, with particular emphasis on issues such as poor implementation, policy inconsistency, financial constraints, corruption, weak institutional frameworks, and political instability. Findings reveal that despite numerous development plans and policy reforms, Nigeria has not achieved sustainable economic growth and development, as evidenced by persistent poverty, unemployment, infrastructural deficits, and low human development indicators. The paper further argues that overdependence on oil revenue, lack of continuity in government policies, and inadequate stakeholder participation have undermined the effectiveness of development planning in the country. The study concludes that while development planning remains a critical tool for national transformation, its success in Nigeria depends largely on disciplined implementation, strong institutional capacity, transparency, and inclusive participation. It recommends a shift towards realistic, people- oriented, and well-coordinated development strategies that are insulated from political interference and aligned with national priorities.

Keywords

DevelopmentPlanningNigeriaGrowthPolicyGovernancePovertyUnemploymentInfrastructureImplementation.

References

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Development Planning in Nigeria: Trends, Challenges, and Prospects for Sustainable Growth (1962–2025)

Abstract

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