Public Enterprises and Employment Generation in Akwa Ibom State: A Study of Greenwell Technologies

Abstract

Despite the Akwa Ibom State government’s efforts at industrialization, the rate of unemployment in the state remains high. This study examined the extent to which governmentowned industries have contributed to employment generation in Akwa Ibom State. The theoretical framework for the study was predicated on Kaldor’s growth model to explain the relationship between the state’s industrial programmes and socio-economic development. As a survey study, the methodology involved a survey instrument and the administration of a questionnaire on 400 respondents using the simple random technique to select respondents from the study population of 177,500. The main statistical tool used in analysing the data was the Chi-square technique. The study revealed that there is no significant relationship between Greenwell fertilizer Technologies and employment generation in Akwa Ibom State. Based on the findings, the study recommended that the Akwa Ibom State government should establish a single framework of action for a clear understanding of the purpose, direction and priorities of State-owned enterprises, which will enhance the coming together of private sectors, transnational agencies, civil society groups that will work together to ensure sustainable development and poverty reduction within the State.