Pressure groups and policy process in Nigeria's fourth republic 1999-2020

The study assessed pressure groups and policy process in Nigeria: a case of 21st century democratic dispensation. The study utilized descriptive qualitative method of content analysis on secondary data. The study was hinged on group theory as its theoretical framework. The study is based on content analysis, the study revealed that in any democratic practices, pressure groups evidently play a powerfully dynamic role in speaking and manipulating public policies during the policy process. The study also revealed that pressure groups serve as the medium by which the public direct their opinion in political system. The study also have shown that in Nigeria, pressure groups have contributed averagely in overseeing the unrestrained behavior of both legislature and executive as well as the judiciary. It was also discovered that pressure groups made policy recommendations and efforts that led to key policy outcomes as well as laws enacted by National Assembly during policy process. However, the study also showed that pressure groups at times can be self-centered in their demands on the government, their influence to the policy process and democratic consolidation. The study also submitted that the over-all absenteeism of pressure groups creates a great space which might not certainly be completed by any other group. The study also revealed that at times, the way pressure groups follow their aims might not be satisfactory to the whole political system or the general public. Based on the findings, the study recommended that there is need for the members of pressure groups to continuously think through the spillover effects of their actions and the ways of pursuing their goals and make sure they look into those deeds that would generate more impairments than virtuous to the entire political system in 21st century democratic dispensation in Nigeria.

Key words: Government, Interests, Policy process and Pressure group.