IGBOSCHOLARS INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF IGBO SCHOLARS FORUM, NIGERIA

In Nigeria, policy-making process faces numerous challenges that significantly affect its policy outcome, leading to issues such as insecurity, deteriorating infrastructure, multi-dimensional poverty, high unemployment rates, and elevated inflation. Thus, this study aimed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the policy-making process and critically interrogate those challenges encountered in the policy making process of Nigeria. The theory of political systems served as a foundational framework for comprehending the intricacies of the policy-making process. This study adopted a qualitative methodology, employing content analysis to interpret non-numerical data from literature pertinent to the discussed theme. The analysis posited that the obstacles confronting policy making in Nigeria stem from institutional deficiencies, ineffective governance, self-serving decisions by executives, and inadequate legal frameworks that fail to regulate the misconduct of political actors. To address these challenges in Nigeria's policy-making landscape, the study advocated for the establishment of a comprehensive database, which is essential for effective national planning and development. Furthermore, it emphasised the importance of participatory governance in the policy-making process, ensuring that the beneficiaries of policies are not only consulted but also actively engaged. Additionally, it urged political actors, particularly those in executive positions, to demonstrate the requisite political will necessary to effectively navigate the policy-making process and realise the intended goals and objectives. Finally, there is an urgent need for a robust legal framework to regulate the actions of policy actors.

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