Developing the Developmental State: Nigeria, NEEDS, and National Economic Planning | Jon Blum, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Abstract

Nigeria’s National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS) was created under the Obasanjo government to propel Nigeria on a path to economic growth and poverty reduction and ran from 2004 to 2007. To assess NEEDS in relation to poverty reduction and growth, I look at the historical context of Nigeria’s previous economic development plans. I then analyze NEEDS and its strategy and capacity to reduce poverty. Examining NEEDS provides insight on the prospects of further economic planning in Nigeria. The impact of NEEDS has further implications to Nigeria’s Vision 2020, the government’s current development strategy. My findings suggest that economic planning has an essential role for the future of Nigeria’s economic development.