The post-independence Nigerian environment and economic development: An historical survey

Abstract

Environment plays a vital role in shaping and determining the level of progress achievable by man, both individually and collectively in various fields of endeavour. Man, and his environment are inseparably bound together, as the environment provides him the platform for the expression and demonstration of his inherent potentials and skills as a gregarious and productive organism. Without environment, there will be no life because it is the environment that sustains life. Human environment should therefore be made conducive, enabling and salubrious for the sustenance of life and diverse activities. Thus, this paper begins, by a somber glance at the post – independence since 1960; effects of good environment on productivity and economic development, and the crushing influence of harsh environment on Nigerian economy. The paper concludes by highlighting an economic development-friendly environment as a must for our 21st century Nigeria. The paper employed participatory observation and historical methods in other to achieve its objectives. The paper recommends, among others, that the government should promptly and urgently rid our environment of the activities of insurgents, bandits, terrorist herdsmen, unknown gunmen, kidnappers, and criminals which constitute serious threats to life sustenance, peace, social stability, and economic development.