| ID | 132546 |
| Title Proper | Nigeria and her security challenges |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Dambazau, Abdulrahman |
| Publication | 2014. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | Nigeria's importance to global security hinges on the fact she is not only the most populous country in Africa, but also strategically located in a region (Gulf of Guinea) that is a major source of the world's oil. From the 1960 Congo crisis when Nigeria began contributing troops for international peacekeeping, the country has maintained consistency as a key player in both the United Nations and regional peacekeeping missions, thus contributing to world peace. However, Nigeria is currently facing serious internal security challenges, the most serious ones being the Boko Haram insurgency in the northeastern states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa; and the Niger Delta militancy and piracy in the south-south geopolitical zone, comprising Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers. Additionally, there are security challenges posed by violent crimes, ethno-religious conflicts, resource-based conflicts, trans-border criminal activities, and election-induced violence. All these security challenges undoubtedly pose some threats to the social, economic and political stability of not only Nigeria, but also of the African continent, especially the West African sub-region, where more than half the population comes from Nigeria. While several factors could have contributed to Nigeria's security situation today, there is no doubt that poor governance and lack of effective leadership at all levels of governance are central in attempting to explain the problem. About fourteen years after the return of democracy in 1999, Nigeria's democratic transition does not appear to be consolidating due to lack of transparency, accountability, rule of law, and the genuine demonstration of leadership capacity to protect fundamental human rights. It is also evident that most of the key government institutions are weak, enabling corruption to thrive with impunity. This article examines the current security situation in Nigeria; the several factors contributing to it; and suggests that through effective leadership and good governance the situation could be remedied in order to arrest the apparent slide into state fragility and failure. |
| `In' analytical Note | Harvard International Review Vol.35, No.4; Spring 2014: p.65-70 |
| Journal Source | Harvard International Review Vol.35, No.4; Spring 2014: p.65-70 |
| Key Words | Nigeria ; African Union - AU ; Global Security ; International Peacekeeping ; United Nations - UN ; Internal Security ; Regional Peacekeeping ; Northeastern States ; World Peace ; Trans-Border Conflicts ; Resource-Based Conflicts ; Third World ; Security Challenges ; Ethno-Religious Conflicts ; Economic Stability ; Political Stability ; South-South ; Geopolitical Zone ; Political Leadership ; West African Sub-Region ; Democratic Transition ; Leadership Capacity ; Boko Haram Insurgency ; Current Security ; Trans-Border Criminal Activities ; Violence ; International Troops |