Security Challenges in Nigeria: Impact on Business and Sustainable Development

Awoye Eniola B. H22/Mac/0131

Department of Mass Communication

The Polytechnic Ile-Ife, Osun State

The security landscape in Nigeria is complex and multifaceted, extending beyond geographical borders. As Africa’s once-largest economy, Nigeria grapples with factors like the COVID-19 pandemic, increased criminal activities, ethnic and religious conflicts, and terrorism, notably from Boko Haram. These threats impede economic growth and raise concerns about safety, property, and overall stability.

Deep-rooted issues, including weak institutions, high corruption levels, and eroded socio-cultural values, contribute to internal challenges. Despite a large market and flexible labor market, these issues create an environment where criminal elements thrive, leaving the populace and businesses vulnerable.

Institutional capacity failure manifests as governmental infrastructure corrosion and a breakdown in public service delivery. The ‘Paradox of Plenty’ emerges as abundant resources, especially oil revenue, fail to meet basic needs due to widespread corruption, fostering frustration and crime.

Material inequalities and perceived unfairness deepen insecurity. Disparities in wealth distribution and perceived marginalization lead to grievances, especially among the youth. Ethnic and religious conflicts intensify insecurity, making it challenging for security forces to maintain order.

The loss of traditional socio-cultural values contributes to the breakdown of the societal fabric. The shift from collectivism to modernity erodes the sense of security within communities and increases criminal activities driven by a lack of values that once deterred theft.

Immediate factors like porous borders, rural-urban drift, unemployment, poverty, and terrorism compound challenges. Porous borders facilitate weapon influx and unwarranted migration, contributing to small arms proliferation. Rural-urban drift, driven by high unemployment, fosters an environment conducive to criminal activities.

Terrorism, especially Boko Haram, stands out as a source of insecurity. Premeditated violence results in significant loss of life and property, posing a direct threat and creating an atmosphere of fear, complicating the security landscape.

Nigeria’s insecurity extends beyond borders, impacting business activities and hampering sustainable development. Businesses face risks from theft to kidnapping, affecting supply chains, market availability, security spending, and manpower.

The interplay between security and development emphasizes the need for visionary leadership, good governance, socio-economic development, corruption elimination, a shift in values, and intelligence gathering. Comprehensive efforts involving legislative, judicial, and institutional reforms are imperative.

The government plays a pivotal role, requiring commitment to public security, good governance, and addressing socio-economic challenges. Policies targeting root causes like poverty, unemployment, environmental degradation, injustice, corruption, porous borders, and arms proliferation are crucial.

In conclusion, Nigeria’s security challenges demand a comprehensive response. Collaborative efforts between the government, businesses, civil society, and individuals are essential for economic growth, investment, and long-term sustainability. Addressing the intricate web of issues requires multifaceted interventions.