ADMINISTRATIVE CONJUNCTION AND SOUTH WESTERN 'REGIONAL' INTEGRATION IN NIGERIA: A PROGNOSIS

Abstract

Regional integration arrangement anywhere in the world is generally perceived to be vehicles for overcoming the constraint of small economic sizes of nations. This study is a critical analysis of regional economic integration particularly of the South West Region of Nigeria. The paper discussed among other things the historical antecedent of the South West Region, the birth of DAWN commission and its goals and objectives. The possible benefits the South West region could derive from such integration which include boosting the agricultural sector, creation of growth poles, effective governance, opportunity to leverage on the region's resources, etc are x-rayed. The paper recommended first, collaborative works agency within DAWN that would see to the construction and rehabilitation of roads that link villages, towns and cities in the region together rather than waiting for the federal government to construct her roads. Second, the running of most of her agro-allied investments as business models that would yield returns on their finances which invariably would enable the region create jobs, create wealth and other critical infrastructures in areas of education and health which are twin development indices. Third is the introduction of agriculture as a matter of policy in all public schools from primary to tertiary levels including practicals in specific areas of crop production and animal husbandry, etc. the South West of Nigeria by all these is fully propelled into an era of unprecedented prosperity.