Critical Review of Policy Pillars of Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, (D.A.W.N.)

Abstract

The study reiterates the need to differentiate a policy document by verifying the issues it is concerned with. Specifically, it underscores the critical need to pay attention to the real issues of development in a development -centered policy document, and ascertaining if the policy document facilitates the planning and implementation of development programs that meet the needs of the people. To justify this assertion, the paper conducts a critical review of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, DAWN, with a view to knowing the substantive information and material in the policy in relation to the policy document in terms of the nine pillars of the document. Among other factors, It sought to know how the concept of Development is constructed in the document in terms of related theory as well as whether it was motivated by a traditional paradigm of technocratic, money driven, top -down approach to development, or by a commitment to the participatory approach. The study observes that the drafters of the document understand and place a high premium on the central role of policy content especially in the sustainable development document. However, it was observed that no visible attempt was made to enshrine clauses and other salient provisions to enforce continuity, accountability, transparency and probity in the document.