Security and Economic Development in Nigeria Since 1960

Abstract

This paper argues that development is about the human person. It is an overall process and not a one-sided affair. Man cannot claim to be developed when his life is insecure. Guaranteeing the socio-economic and political wellbeing of citizens is the greatest assurance of attaining security for the state or society. Therefore, there is no amount of security consciousness, orientation, provision of security gadgets or even massive investment on security that will make us ‘secure’ until there is justice, equity, fair play, and adequate attention to the less privilege in society, Nigeria and indeed, African countries will never know peace and the pace of economic development will remain at a snail pace. In the light of the above, the paper recommends that; education be made compulsory and free from primary up to the University level. It is shameful for Nigeria that the level of literacy and awareness is declining even in the twenty first century, due to rising inflation and high cost of acquiring education. Second, gainful employment opportunity be created so as to engage the millions of unemployed youths who have become restless. If this is not done, certainly, the incidence of espionage, armed robbery, arson, pipeline vandals, drug peddling, piracy, cultism, kidnapping, assassination, murder, examination malpractices, bunkering, terrorism, and other crimes will continue to bedeviled the Nigerian nation. The research questions are; what could be done to curb the insecurity situation in Nigeria? How can Nigeria join the league of technologically advanced countries? How can the level of socioeconomic welfare of the citizens be improved? The paper would rely on primary and secondary sources in research.