Globalisation, Sustainable Development Goals, and Inclusive National Development in Nigeria: Evidence from Edo State

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between globalisation and inclusive national development in Nigeria, with Edo State as a sub-national empirical context. The paper reframes the established discourse within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Using a qualitative research design anchored on Dependency Theory and World-Systems Theory, and drawing on secondary data from institutional, governmental, and peer-reviewed sources, the study examines four key variables: the influence of international financial institutions (IFIs), globalisation-induced unemployment, human capital flight (brain drain), and foreign trade and investment dynamics. Empirical evidence from Edo State reveals that globalisation has constrained rather than catalysed SDG-aligned development. IFI conditionalities have restricted fiscal space for social investment; globalisation-induced labour market restructuring has deepened structural unemployment (approximately 42% among graduates); brain drain has materially eroded institutional capacity in health and education; and the state's trade and investment profile remains enclave-like and insufficiently linked to productive diversification. The study recommends a Sustainable Industrialisation and Human Capital Retention Strategy (SIHCRS) calibrated to the Edo State context.