DEMOCRACY AND DEVELOPMENT IN TARABA STATE, NIGERIA: AN ASSESSMENT OF IMPACT

Abstract

Democracy and democratic governance are no doubt a sine qua non for development in the post-colonial state in Africa, just as it is in advance democracies. In Nigeria, which has suffered altogether, 23 years of military rule, the return of the country to democracy on 29 May, 1999 was a giant stride towards returning the country on the path of development. Contending perspectives exist as to whether or not, democratic governance has impacted the development process in Taraba State positively. Using qualitative methodology, in which data was collected through Key Informant Interviews KII, in addition to secondary sources, and using both descriptive and content analysis, this paper examines the impact of democracy on the development of Taraba State. It finds out among others, that between 1999 to 2024, there has been significant improvement in several areas such as infrastructural development, especially roads construction, educational and health institutions; increased political awareness and participation among the citizens; increased employment of citizens in both state and federal agencies; and more expansion of the state’s agricultural production. Notwithstanding the progress recorded, the paper also identified some challenges that remain an obstacle to sustainable development, including among others, corruption among public officials; rising insecurity; and lack of adequate inclusion of women in the process of governance. It finally made recommendations for more entrenched democratic governance for sustainable development in the state.