Abstract: The exhilaration and euphoria that heralded Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999 have since been replaced by trepidation, disappointment and scepticism as a result of the pervasive nature of insecurity in the country. All across Nigeria, the explosion of lawlessness, chaos and destruction have entrenched a reign of anarchy. In the North, cross-border bandits and the fanatical sect (Boko Haram) have continued to operate with reckless impunity. The South-West and Eastern parts of the country continues to record gruesome incidents of mass armed robbery, kidnapping and extortion, clashes between farmers and pastoralists, while in the South-South, inter communal clashes, abduction and hostage taking, pipeline vandalization have continue to disrupt and paralyze economic activities, particularly in the oil-rich delta region. As a result of which the country is at present, gripped with deep-seated motion of indignation and resignation. Consequently, the climate of apprehension, fear and despair engendered by this situation has greatly undermined the potential for democracy, good governance and national development. The attendant implications have been exponential increase in the cost of governance, stunted economic growth and development, poverty, unemployment and refugee crisis. The need for people-centred governance, economic diversification and proactive intelligence gathering strategies were recommended as panaceas.
Keywords: Insecurity, Democracy, Governance, Political Economy, Nigeria.
Title: A Nation on the Edge: Interrogating the Political Economy of Security Challenges in Nigeria
Author: Toyin Abe
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research
ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
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