An Assessment of National Poverty Eradication Programme on Wealth Creation in Benue State

Abstract

Poverty is pervasive and widespread among underdeveloped countries.  For several decades, global discussions on underdeveloped countries revolve around poverty related problems.  Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa are currently with the highest level of poverty.  This study examines the current strategies adopted by the Federal Government of Nigeria through National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP) and the impact it has on the beneficiaries in Benue State.  The explanatory- survey method was utilized for the collection of data through questionnaire administered on one hundred and nine (109) respondents selected from beneficiaries and key officials of NAPEP in six (6) local government areas of Benue State.   Our findings suggest that the strategies employed by NAPEP have not made significant impact in improving the lives of beneficiaries in Benue State. We observed structural defects in implementation strategies adopted by NAPEP. More so, corruption, poor funding and untimely release of funds, weak monitoring and impact assessment plans, bad governance are major problems constraining the successful implementation of poverty reduction programmes in Nigeria. We therefore recommend that poverty reduction strategies should be constructively structured to effectively target the poor who are the actual beneficiaries; the anti-corruption crusade stand of the Federal Government reinvigorated especially with related cases of poverty reduction programmes; a sound educational curriculum are required at all levels of our educational system on entrepreneurial education and values  reorientation; adopting of global approach to infrastructural development and improve  access of the poor to micro-credit facilities.

Keywords: Benue state, poverty, poor funding, weak monitoring, bad governance.