Governance and Economic Development in Abia State, Nigeria, 2007 - 2018.

The issue of governance has been overwhelming and quite challenging since independence in Nigeria, especially in its economic development among the states in the country. This study investigated the nexus between governance and economic development in Abia State, from 2007 to 2018. Generally, the study is focused on the impact of governance on the economic growth of the state. The methods employed for data collection include documentary data obtained from secondary sources, personal observations and the theory is anchored on the post-colonial theory. The findings of the study revealed that the economic development of Abia State is associated with the political legacy of colonialism witnessed in Africa, evidenced in the lack of accountability and transparency in governance. The study which recommend that the structure of the state government agenda, which is geared towards bridging the infrastructural development gaps orchestrated by poor support, and negligence of the small and medium scale enterprises be adequately given attention as these will extensively contribute to the increase in the GDP, reduction in the prevalent unemployment rate, alleviation of poverty and resilient in the industrialisation in Nigeria at large. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]