Search

This article compares and contrasts the practices of preaching between Christ Embassy and NASFAT in the city of Abuja. The preaching of the two groups responds to the social situation of Abuja, which includes hard economic conditions and religious pluralism. The article analyses the preaching styles in Christ Embassy and nasfat within the framework of performance theory. It argues that preaching is an important instrument for empowering urban residents with the necessary mental resources for meeting the challenges of the urban environment. Moreover, the article argues that preaching is a practice of mediation that is facilitated by aspects such as stage design, dress, background music, eloquence, and preaching assistants. In Christ Embassy, one of the purposes of preaching is a total transformation of the individual mindset and the cultivation of new norms and values. Preaching in NASFAT has the purpose of producing modern and pious Muslims who can live comfortably in pluralistic urban settings and project a positive image of Islam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ambient atmosphere is dominated with pollen and spores, which trigger allergic reactions and diseases and impact negatively on human health. A survey of pollen and fungal spores constituents of the atmosphere of Garki, Abuja (North-Central Nigeria) was carried out for 1 year (June 1, 2011-May 31, 2012). The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and abundance of pollen and fungal spores in the atmosphere and their relationship with meteorological parameters. Airborne samples were trapped using modified Tauber-like pollen trap, and the recipient solutions were subjected to acetolysis. Results revealed the abundance of fungal spores, pollen, fern spores, algal cysts and diatoms in decreasing order of dominance. The atmosphere was qualitatively and quantitatively dominated by pollen during the period of late rainy/harmattan season than the rainy season. Numerous fungal spores were trapped throughout the sampling periods among which Alternaria spp., Fusarium spp., Cladosporium spp. and Curvularia spp. dominated. These fungi have been implicated in allergic diseases and are dermatophytic, causing diverse skin diseases. Other pathogenic fungi found in the studied aeroflora were Dreschlera spp., Helminthosporium spp., Torula spp., Pithomyces spp., Tetraploa spp., Nigrospora ssp., Spadicoides spp., Puccinia spp . and Erysiphe graminis. Total pollen and fungal spores counts do not show significant correlation with meteorological parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overall, 33.3% and 58.3% of the respondents attained secondary and tertiary levels of education, respectively. The prevalence rate of unintended pregnancy was 16%. Contraceptive awareness was quite high (259, 86.3%). However, contraceptive usage was low as 192 (61.9%) had never used any form of contraceptives. Univariate analysis using Chi-square test showed a statistically significant association between age and unwanted pregnancy (2 = 68.56, P < 0.001), as well as between parity and unwanted pregnancy (X² = 39.92, P < 0.001). Conclusion: The prevalence of unintended pregnancy among women attending antenatal clinic is high, possibly due to low contraceptive usage. Adequate information, education, and communication materials should be provided during antenatal health talks. Advocacy visits for community sensitization should also be increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poultry production has been faced with a number of challenges thereby limiting the expansion and profitability of which parasitic diseases remain the hallmark. Coccidiosis remains one of the commonest parasitic diseases affecting poultry resulting in great economic losses in Nigeria. The prevalence of this disease in chickens within the Federal Capital Territory Abuja is unknown. This study was therefore conducted to determine the prevalence of coccidial infection in free-range local and intensively managed exotic chickens in Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja. Between February and August, 2014, a total of 100 Fresh droppings samples were randomly collected; 50 samples from birds in the free-range system and 50 samples from birds in the intensively managed farms within the Area Council. Simple floatation was used for sample examination for the presence of coccidian oocysts. Data obtained were analysed using the students T-test. Results showed that there is a significant difference in the prevalence of coccidiosis between the two breeds studied. The prevalence rate was higher in the local breeds under the free range system (32%) than the exotic breeds (18%) reared intensively respectively. Since the disease is spread via resistant cysts, appropriate biosecurity measures should therefore be employed to curtail the menace of this disease. The study has implication on poultry production for the fulfillment of sustainable human protein requirement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) is a disease of cattle that has been difficult to control in Nigeria. This study was done to assess the problem associated with the use of the OIE recommended vaccine against the disease in Nigeria. A total of 180 closed ended questionnaires were administered to pastoralists from the six area councils of Federal Capital Territory, to study the problem associated with T1/44 vaccine administration in Abuja, Nigeria. Data was managed using Microsoft excel and SPSS version 21. The study revealed that out of 172 respondents that were aware that a vaccine exists, 93.9% (95%CI: 90.4-97.4%) do vaccinate their cattle against Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia; out of which 46.7% (95%CI: 39.41-53.99%) do an annual vaccination, 4.1% (95%CI: 1.2-7%) vaccinate biennially and 49.1% (95CI: 41.8-56.4%) vaccinate animals once in 5 years. Among the 90 pastoralists that do either a biennial or once in 5 years vaccination, 74.4% (95%CI: 65.38-83.42%) do not follow the recommended vaccination schedule due to post vaccination reactions, which occurred 7- 14 days after vaccination. Majority of these affected respondents manage the reaction by branding with hot objects, while others made use of antibiotics and antiinflammatory agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, 226Ra and heavy metal concentrations were studied to represent the radiotoxicity risk of groundwater of Abuja, North Central Nigeria. Groundwater samples were collected from five areas in Abuja, and measurements were taken by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Radium (226Ra) concentrations were determined from 0.067 to 0.216 µg/L. The mean annual effective dose from the natural radionuclide of 226Ra for the inhabitants was estimated to be 2.2 × 10−5 mSv. In addition, life average daily dose and cancer mortality risk were calculated. As a result, radiological risks of 226Ra in groundwater are quite low, typically in the magnitude of 10−7 when compared with the international reference dose level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nigeria is facing a series of interconnected economic and humanitarian crises which, if not resolved, will disrupt basic life-support systems, contribute to the worsening of already fragmented security structures and perpetuate underdevelopment and indebtedness. Following the dispersal of the inhabitants of north-eastern Nigeria by Boko Haram, accessing adequate food, shelter and safe drinking water is becoming increasingly difficult for the majority of the dispersed population. This article examines contemporary discourse on the plight of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in Abuja, Nigeria. It reveals that there is agreement among a range of citizens on the need for the Nigerian government to change its policy orientation in dealings with IDPs. The article argues that there is considerable neglect of IDPs and highlights the security implications of such policies on the city of Abuja. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Candida spp. are normal flora of the vagina that eventually become pathogenic under some prevailing conditions, and thus present as a common etiology of vulvovaginitis. When prompt recognition and laboratory confirmation is not achieved, this could lead to devastating genital discomfort and a major reason for frequent hospital visits. Aims: This was a cross-sectional prospective study that aimed to determine the prevalence and some associated risk factors of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) among nonpregnant women attending University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada. Subjects and methods: A pair of high vaginal swab and endocervical swab samples was collected from each of 200 individual participating subjects. They were separately inoculated on Sabouraud's dextrose agar and incubated aerobically at 33°C for 48 hours. Ten percent KOH wet mount and Gram staining was done on swabs and colonies, respectively. Structured questionnaires were used to obtain sociodemographic and clinical data. Of the 200 participating subjects, the prevalence of Candida albicans was 6.5% and Results: that of non-albicans candidiasis 7.5%. Candidiasis was observed mostly among the 20- to 30-year age-group. All subjects with Candida-positive culture had been on antibacterial therapy prior to participating in this study -- 28 (100%). There was a statistical relationship between the prevalence of VVC with previous antibacterial therapy (P,0.05), but not with age or other prevailing health conditions studied (P.0.05). Conclusion: The outcome of this study indicated involvement of Candida spp. in vulvovaginitis among nonpregnant women, especially those on empirical antibacterial therapy. Moreover, it is worthwhile to consider culture-test results as adjunctive in combination with clinical symptoms in the deinitive diagnosis of VVC. Due to the importance of our findings, sex-education workshops should be conducted to educate women on the clinical significance of Candida in vulvovaginitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Intimate partner violence (IPV) occurs across the world, in various cultures, and affects people across societies irrespective of economic status or gender. Most data on IPV before World Health Organization multicountry study (WHOMCS) usually came from sources other than the military. Result of this study will contribute to the existing body of knowledge and may serve as a baseline for future studies in military populations. This study compares the prevalence of the different types of IPV against women in military and civilian communities in Abuja, Nigeria. Methods: Using a multistage sampling technique, 260 women who had intimate male partners were selected from military and civilian communities of Abuja. Collected data on personal characteristics and different types of IPV experienced were analyzed to demonstrate comparison of the association between the different forms of IPV and the respondents' sociodemographic and partner characteristics in the two study populations using percentages and X-square statistics, and P-value was assumed to be significant at ≤0.05. Results: The prevalence of the four major types of IPV was higher among the military respondents than among civilians: controlling behavior, 37.1% versus 29.1%; emotional/psychological abuse, 42.4% versus 13.4%; physical abuse, 19.7% versus 5.9%, and sexual abuse, 9.2% versus 8.8%. Significantly more respondents from the military population (59 [45.4%]) compared to civilians (21 [19.4%]) were prevented by their partners from seeing their friends (P=0.000). The situation is reversed with regard to permission to seek health care for self, with civilians reporting a significantly higher prevalence (35 [32.4%]) than did military respondents (20 [15.4%]) (P=0.002). The military respondents were clearly at a higher risk of experiencing all the variants of emotional violence than the civilians (P=0.00). The commonest form of physical violence against women was "being slapped or having something thrown at them, that could hurt", which was markedly higher in the military (43 [33.1%]) than in the civilian population (10 [9.3%]), (P<0.05). Conclusion: IPV is a significant public health problem in Abuja, and the military population is clearly at a higher risk of experiencing all forms of IPV compared to the civilian population. The military should encourage and finance research on effect of military operations and posttraumatic stress disorders on family relationships with a view of developing evidence-based treatment models for military personnel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mothers infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can transmit the virus to their babies in utero, intrapartum or postpartum through breastfeeding. Maternal to child transmission can be prevented through administration of antiretroviral drugs to mother and child, and through restriction of breastfeeding. This study evaluated the effectiveness of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) activities in reducing the incidence of HIV infection among exposed babies at the National Hospital Abuja, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Early infant diagnosis laboratory records of 515 exposed babies aged below 18 months who had polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test between January 1st 2011 and December 31st 2012 were reviewed. The details of antiretroviral (ARV) therapy commencement for mother and baby, infant feeding choices, mode of delivery and HIV test results were analysed. Results: Of the 515 samples tested, 36 (7.0%) were found to be positive. The mean age of exposed children tested was 4 months. Highest prevalence was among children in the age group 6-18 months (16.1%). There was statistically significant association between HIV positive results and age. (P = 0.0000). If the mother and child pairs received ARVs, the prevalence was 1.3%, whereas if the mother only received ARV, then the prevalence was 4.6%, and when only the child received ARV the prevalence was 20.0%. When neither the mother nor the child received ARVs, the prevalence was 66.7%. Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of HIV among exposed children in our setting, especially if the mother and child pairs did not receive any form of antiretroviral prophylaxis. This further emphasises the usefulness of ARVs as the single most important intervention in PMTCT. Therefore, there is need to expand antiretroviral coverage, ensure access of the PMTCT program, and provide effective services to support infected children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women's lives and their bodies have been the unacknowledged casualties of men for too long. The thrust of the study, therefore, is to critically evaluate the effects of intimate partner violence on women's productivity in the formal sector in Abuja, Nigeria. Three hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. A sample 595 respondents was selected through the multistage sampling techniques from some selected Ministries and Parastatals in Abuja. The questionnaire employed for data collection was subjected to face and content validation by experts from Gender and Women Studies. To establish the reliability estimate of the instrument, Cronbach Alpha reliability method was adopted. The chi-square statistical technique was adopted to test the hypotheses at .05 levels of significance. Findings revealed that intimate partner violence disrupts women's lives, destroys their health, undermines their confidence, and takes away their psychological sense of esteem, as well as undermines their full participation in the formal sector. In spite of all these, respondents generally condone and are complacent with intimate partner violence, perceiving it as cultural and religious norms. They further feel that reprimands, beating and forced sex affecting their physical, mental wellbeing and productive capacity are normal in marriage. They would rather prefer reporting to family members rather than reporting their brutalization to the police or divorcing their men because exiting the marriage would not gain the support of family members. Besides, the uncertainty in re-marrying, social stigmatization, and psychological concern for their children are too much to bear. To this effect, the work recommends, amongst others, that government should make and ensure the strict enforcement of laws to protect women's rights irrespective of the fact that socio-cultural norms and structures seem to favour intimate partner violence. There should be advocacy and concerted action that would evolve sustainable structures to provide support for women as victims of intimate partner violence to react appropriately. Also, noting the dangers associated with intimate partner violence, educational and religious institutions should re-orientate men to be more accommodating in their relationship with their women partners in a bid to getting them unlearn their violent behaviours. The work concludes that since women represent an important population group in Nigeria, there is an urgent need to address intimate partner violence in order to halt it because women's meaningful contributions to the overall formal sector engender development and general well-being of the federal capital territory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Risk factors that are associated with HIV infection are also associated with HBV and HCV infections in sub-Saharan Africa. The HIV-infected pregnant cohort represents a unique population and infection with the hepatitis virus is considered a public health problem worldwide. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Hepatitis B and C virus parallel and overlapping infections among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. Method: Five hundred (500) blood samples were collected from three district hospitals in the FCT and tested at Wuse General Hospital, Abuja for the presence of antibodies to HIV and Hepatitis C virus, and HBsAg by ELISA technique in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. HIV seropositive sera were confirmed by Western blot. Result: Of the 500 pregnant women, those detected with HIV antibodies, HBsAg and anti-HCV antibodies were 42 (8.4%), 19 (3.8%) and 8 (1.6%) respectively. The overall seroprevalence of HIV and HBV or HCV co-infection was 9.5% while 7.1% and 2.4% HIV positive pregnant women were specifically co-infected with HBV and HCV respectively. Those within the age bracket of 15-20 years had the highest prevalence of HIV (13.4%), HBV (5.1%) and HCV (1.9%) infections. Among the occupation characteristics of the women, those of them involved in trading recorded the highest prevalence of HIV (60.6%), HBV (30.3) and HCV (6.1%). HIV was higher among the married women than the singles ((8.6% vs 6.5%); with HBV infection the reverse was the case (3.0% vs 9.8%) while HCV was same for both groups. History of blood transfusion did not reflect a higher rate of HIV and HBV (1.4% vs 9.6%; 2.8% vs 4.0% respectively) unlike HCV infection with 0.5% recorded only among those that had transfusion experience. Conclusion: When monitoring the risk of hepatotoxicity to antiretroviral drugs among these group of patients caution should be maintained. Moreover, evidence of parallel and overlapping HIV, HBsAg and HCV infections among this cohort should motivate inclusion of HBV and HCV among the diseases of surveillance in the national sentinel survey in order to ascertain the bigger picture of these infections in Nigeria.

Scholars from diverse disciplines have established how objective and subjective housing attributes influence occupants' housing satisfaction. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of age grouping on overall housing satisfaction with respect to private housing development in Abuja, Nigeria. Samples of 112 structured questionnaires were systematically administered to the occupants of Prince and Princes Housing Estate. Sixty-six were subsequently retrieved for analysis representing 74% response rate. Descriptive statistics and one-way analysis of variance was conducted, and the result indicates that there was a statistically significant difference for total housing satisfaction between age groups. A Tukey's post hoc test revealed that housing satisfaction was statistically significantly higher in the 61 and above age group in the sample. The result implies that there is a need to incorporate specific demographic changes such as in age groups in residential housing development and policy plan especially in developing countries. The study also contributes to further our understanding on the relationship between resident's socio-demographic characteristics and housing satisfaction. This paper represents first housing satisfaction studies that examines age factor to determine level of variation in housing satisfaction between various age groups in private housing development in the Nigerian context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This present study reviews 65 consecutive coroner's autopsies performed at Department of Pathology,Asokoro District Hospital,Abuja,Nigeria over two year period(March 2010 to February 2012). The coroner autopsies represent 70% of the total autopsies during this period of study. There were 60 males against 5 females with a male: female ratio of 12:1 and their ages ranged between 17 and 62 years with a mean of 37.5 years. 98.5% of the studied groups were Negroid while 1.5% was Caucasian. The most common indications for coroner autopsies were homicidal deaths (47.6%), sudden unexpected natural deaths (32.4%). Accidents deaths made 18.5%, of all deaths and suicides 1.5%. Of the 31 homicide deaths, 28 were males and 3 females with a ratio of 9.3:1. Fire-arm injuries were responsible for 38.7% of the homicide deaths with gun-shot wounds accounting for 29% of this and bomb-blast 9.7%. Blunt trauma claimed 32.3% of cases, penetrating stab wounds, 25.8%, and strangulation injury 3.2%. Hemorrhagic shock was the cause of death in 68% of homicide deaths, intracranial injury in 29% of cases and asphyxia 3%. For the sudden natural deaths, cardiovascular diseases accounted for 52% of cases. Of these, the male: female ratios were 11:0. Ten (48%) cases were of hypertensive heart failure, 4% of myocardial infarction, 24% of liver pathology, and 9.5% of AIDS related diseases. Renal pathology, maternal death (anemia in pregnancy) and bacterial meningitis accounted for 4.7%, each of the total sudden natural deaths. 75% of the accidental deaths are from road traffic accidents with a male female ratio of 9:0. Fall from height was 17% and accidental electrocution, 8%. Suicide death was responsible for 1(1.5%) of the total deaths. It is also pertinent to say the only suicide death was also the only Caucasian death recorded in the study. Suicide deaths remain extremely rare in African patients and our study confirmed this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of activity concentration of 232Th, 238U and 40K of rock samples from site one (S1L1–S1L11, 70m) and site two (S2L1–S2L9, 60m) boreholes in Dei-Dei and Kubwa was presented and the first time in the region to be compared. Activity concentrations were analysed using a high resolution co-axial HPGe gamma ray spectrometer system. The activity concentration ranges in site one borehole were from 45±1 to 98±6Bqkg−1 for 232Th, from 18±2 to 37±4Bqkg−1 for 238U and from 254 ±32Bqkg−1 to 1195 ±151Bqkg−1 for 40K. The activity concentration ranges in site two borehole were from 32±3 to 84±7Bqkg−1 for 232Th, from 15±2 to 52±5Bqkg−1 for 238U and from 119±15 to 705±94 for 40KBqkg−1. Significantly higher concentration of 232Th and 238U occurs in samples collected from S1L7, S1L11 and S2L1 layers. These zones experienced granitic intrusions produced by denudation and tectonism. 40K in rock samples of S1L4 and S2L4 activity concentrations is close; it could be that biotite granitic intrusion that is inferred as the formation in that layer reflects the same activity of potassium in rock's radioactivity measurement. The area requires further investigation of soil geochemistry and activity concentration of radionuclides in groundwater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Even though cardiovascular disease is gradually becoming the major cause of morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, there are very few data on the pattern of heart disease in this part of the world. We therefore decided to determine the pattern of heart disease in Abuja, which is one of the fastest growing and most westernized cities in Nigeria, and compare our findings with those of the Heart of Soweto Study in South Africa. Methods and results Detailed clinical data were consecutively captured from 1515 subjects of African descent, residing in Abuja, and equivalent Soweto data from 4626 subjects were available for comparison. In Abuja, male subjects were on average, ∼2 years older than female subjects. Hypertension was the primary diagnosis in 45.8% of the cohort, comprising more women than men [odds ratio (OR) 1.96, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26–2.65], and hypertensive heart failure (HF) was the most common form of HF in 61% of cases. On an age- and sex-adjusted basis, compared with the Soweto cohort, the Abuja cohort were more likely to present with a primary diagnosis of hypertension (adjusted OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.85–2.42) or hypertensive heart disease/failure (OR 2.48, 95% CI 2.18–2.83); P < 0.001 for both. They were, however, far less likely to present with CAD (OR 0.04, 95% CI 0.02–0.11) and right heart failure (2.5% vs. 27%). Conclusion As in Soweto, but more so, hypertension is the most common cause of de novo HF presentations in Abuja, Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Income is positively related to the rate of household waste generation. [•] Negative relationship exist between the household size and per capita waste generation in high income group. [•] There is slight significant difference between household size and per capita waste generation in medium income group. [•] There is no statistically significant difference between household size and per capita waste generation in low income group. [•] The organic wastes are the largest components of the waste stream. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Although laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become the gold standard for removing the Gall Bladder (GB) for operable benign diseases, many open cholecystectomies are still performed in developing countries. We present our experiences with all cholecystectomies done in a secondary health care hospital, in north-central Nigeria., Patients and Methods: All patients who had open and laparoscopic cholecystectomies over a 20year period between January 2000 and December 2019 at the general surgery unit of Asokoro District Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria were reviewed with a focus on demography, indications for surgery, type of operation, complications, and outcomes. The diagnosis of benign gall bladder diseases was by findings on patients' presentation, clinical examination, trans-abdominal ultrasound scan, and histological examination of all specimens. All open cholecystectomies were via the Kocher's incision approach while the laparoscopic cholecystectomies were via the 4-port incisions approach., Results: A total of 120 cholecystectomies comprising 74 open cholecystectomies and 46 laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed. There were 27(22.5%) males and 93(77.5%) females giving a male to female ratio of 1:3.4. The age range was 19 to 80years and the peak age was in the 41-50years range. The commonest indication for surgery was calculous cholecystitis in 107(89.2%) patients while the commonest post-operative complication was surgical site infection in 4(3.33%) patients. Majority (80%) were cholesterol stones. All the gall bladders were benign and there was no mortality recorded., Conclusion: Open and laparoscopic cholecystectomies are safe in Asokoro District Hospital, Abuja Nigeria and the outcomes are comparable to results from other centres in the region., Competing Interests: The Authors declare that no competing interest exists., (Copyright © 2022 by West African Journal of Medicine.)

Spatial inequality in service delivery is a common feature in African cities. Several factors account for the phenomenon but there is growing attention towards urban governance and the role of the state. Urban governance policies such as privatization serve as key strategies through which the state regulates and (re)produces spatial inequality in service delivery. This study examined how governance practices related to privatization and the regulatory role of the state reinforce spatial inequalities in the delivery of solid waste services in Abuja, Nigeria. It focused primarily on the issue of cost recovery. Privatization became a major focus in Abuja in 2003 when the government launched a pilot scheme. Although it has brought improvements in service delivery, privatization has also increased the gap in the quality of services delivered in different parts of the city. Drawing on empirical data, the study revealed that little sensitivity to income and affordability, and to income differentials between neighbourhoods in the fixing of user charges and in the choice of the billing method is contributing to spatial inequalities in service delivery. Furthermore, the study suggests that these practices are linked to a broader issue, a failure of the government to see the people as partners. It therefore calls for more inclusive governance especially in decision-making processes. The study also emphasizes the need for a policy document on solid waste management, as this would encourage a critical assessment of vital issues including how privatization is to be funded, especially in low-income areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper evaluates the impact of electronic land administration as an e-government policy initiative in Nigeria. It analyses conceptually the differences between the expected and actual value of Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS)—an e-land administration project—on urbanisation in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Nigeria. The AGIS case study reveals that differences between the expected and actual value of strengthening the state’s financial capacity are low. The differences are medium for enhancing access to and security of credit, and improvement of land use planning and environmental management and high for the promotion of popular participation. The elicited differences are traceable to hindrances inscribed in Land Use and National Housing Acts, to inequitable access to land, inconsistent resettlement policy, poor community participation and financial misconduct. The findings suggest the need to pay attention to provisions through which e-government can support the reduction of country specific problems, improve the quality of institutions and to promote urbanisation, thereby increasing social welfare as well as participation by the people in promoting suitable and adequate shelter for all citizens. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The growth and development of any nation is greatly dependent on the availability of basic social infrastructure like good road, efficient power supply, buildings, ports, rails etcetera. Over fifty years after independent Nigeria is still in a very undesirable state of infrastructural development; variety of broad-based opinion surveys in recent years have shown that prominent infrastructure deficiencies are responsible for the country’s disappointing economic performance. This paper is designed to unfold factors responsible for the slow adoption of public private partnership PPPs in Nigeria and proffer workable solutions that could help revised the current trend. A questionnaire survey was conducted seeking the opinions of one hundred (100) experienced professionals within the industry comprising architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, project managers and contractors. Out of 100 questionnaires sent out, 61 came back resulting in a response rate of 61%. The result shows that high rate of corruption in government, high cost of participation and lack of adequate security have all combined to slow the uptake and use of PPPs for the provision of public infrastructures and services. In order to improve the use of PPPs to provide the much needed infrastructures to enhance economic growth and well-being of the growing population of the country, it was found that the elimination of corruption in government, the building of strong financial institutions, improvement in security and improving the knowledge of professionals in the PPP procurement strategy would greatly assist the country to overcome the dearth of public services and enhance economic growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]