ENHANCING NIGERIA'S GDP THROUGH RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE: INSIGHTS FROM DAWAKIN-TOFA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

Nigeria has long struggled to revamp its economy despite being richly endowed with natural and human resources. The country remains among the least developed globally, with a large proportion of its citizens living below the poverty line. While successive governments have introduced various policies and initiatives to improve socio-economic conditions, widespread poverty and developmental challenges persist. Economic growth, as measured by Gross Domestic Product (GDP), is closely linked to both a vibrant economy and the provision of adequate infrastructure. Rural areas, in particular, play a critical role in national development by supplying raw materials, sustaining agricultural production, and supporting trade. Historically, they were central to the colonial economy and remain vital to Nigeria’s economic landscape today. This study investigates the role of socio-economic infrastructural development in rural Nigeria as a pathway to improving GDP, with Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area of Kano State serving as a case study due to its extensive agricultural and trading activities. Findings highlight the need for deliberate government intervention in infrastructure provision and community engagement. The study recommends that policymakers align developmental projects with the genuine needs of rural dwellers, ensuring consistent communication and inclusivity in governance. By addressing infrastructural gaps and enhancing rural productivity, Nigeria can stimulate sustainable economic growth and bring governance closer to the people.