Security Challenges and National Development in Nigeria
Keywords:
Governance, Security, National Development, Legitimacy, LeadershipAbstract
The 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended) emphatically states that “security and welfare of the people shall be the primary objective of government”. In other words, the government as part of its constitutional responsibilities is expected to ensure peace and stability to facilitate national development. However, the situation on the ground in Nigeria has proved otherwise, and this is invariably inducing discontent that is challenging the national security and impeding its development that is also evident through prior literature. For this reason, the study analyses factors that trigger insecurity in Nigeria, as well as, identifies the implications of insecurity on the country. The study relies on the researcher’s observation of the security situation in the country and secondary data. The study identified an unsafe environment for human and economic investments, and low priority to the health care of the citizens. Furthermore, security challenges impacted the political development of the country; questioning the legitimacy of government and threatening the unity and corporate existence of the country, it has also increased security spending and security votes; and denting the image of the country. Thus, the study concluded that for Nigeria to witness national development, a relatively peaceful environment must be created where the safety of human lives, their properties, and national resources are guaranteed.
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