Benue State University, Makurdi

MARXISM AND CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES OF DEVELOPMENT IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: THE CASE OF NIGERIA

ANUMVE, Raymond Tavershima^*

Abstract

This article examines the tools and philosophy of Marxist political economy and how it can be utilised to position Nigeria's contemporary attempts for development. The Marxist philosophy, which delves into the relationship between human struggles and economic means of production, is germane in an effort to understand contemporary development challenges and the attempt by leaders, policy makers and scholars at proffering realistic and sustainable solutions. Marxism believes that with an understanding of the nature of man and the social and economic foundations that drives his existence, our leaders would be able to realise that policies that seek to enhance development must first address the human angle and then use the new technologies to create a solid economic base to build the productive forces. The paper submits that, applying the Marxist political economy, a few lessons would be germane. These lessons demand first and foremost that Nigeria must do an overhaul of her social and economic superstructure by restructuring and realigning the entire system. The paper argues that this can be done by focusing on the development of the productive sectors of the nation as well as the skills of the individuals to make them more productive. This, the paper believes, is the best approaches to ensure growth and development.

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