THE IMPACT OF INSECURITY IN NIGERIA ON INDUSTRIALIZATION AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION

Background to the Study: In Africa, specifically Nigeria, the issue of insecurity poses a significant obstacle to the progress of industrialization and sustainable development. Nigeria, being the most populous country in Africa, has faced a multitude of security challenges. These include attacks by Fulani herdsmen, Boko Haram insurgents, armed robberies, kidnappings, political unrest, murder, militants from the Niger Delta destroying oil facilities, child abduction, and trafficking, among others. Insurgents have also committed various crimes, such as setting fire to churches, police stations, schools, hospitals, clinics, stores, army barracks, and private residences. They have also caused damage to cars and carried out the kidnapping of foreign nationals. Given the challenges at hand, ensuring security has become an utmost priority, resulting in a significant allocation of the nation's limited resources towards safeguarding individuals and assets. In addition, the government has been compelled to reallocate funds originally designated for development purposes to prioritise security. In addition, there are evident indications of insecurity as the country experiences a concerning deterioration across its economic, political, social, and religious domains. Insecurity has posed a threat to the frantic effort to industrialise, the current sociocultural peace, and sustainable growth. Nigeria received a low security rating in the Global Peace Index (2022), ranking 143 out of 163 independent nations and territories based on the level of peacefulness.

It can be inferred that living in Nigeria is considered risky, as it is among the countries with the highest rates of terrorism globally. Due to this, potential investors, both domestic and international, are cautious about making investments in Nigeria. Thus, insecurity is a state of concern, unease, turmoil, and unpredictability experienced by Nigerians. This is evident through the significant number of bombings and murders in Nigeria, along with politically motivated racial conflicts and homicides related to politics and the economy. These factors contribute to the vulnerability and lack of significance of security agents in Nigeria. Companies thrive in a peaceful environment, where economic, social, religious, and political stability foster industrialization, well-being, religious freedom, and national progress. However, constant insecurity poses a significant threat to these aspects.

Examining the concept of sustainable development. Based on Adeleke's research in Nigeria, insecurity has led to significant consequences such as loss of life, damage to property and equipment, and the relocation and closure of businesses. Nigeria has experienced an unprecedented level of insecurity in recent times. Concerns regarding national security have been a top priority for the government. As per Abdul Seye's research (2021), a significant amount of 12 trillion Naira has been allocated to security measures over the past 7 years. The AntiTerrorism Act, enacted by the federal government in 2011, aimed to combat terrorism and decrease crime rates. The government has implemented various measures to enhance security in the nation. These include the installation of computer-based closed circuit television cameras (CCTV) in certain areas, intensifying surveillance and criminal investigation efforts, implementing stricter physical security measures nationwide to deter or thwart potential attacks, and bolstering overall security (Azazi, 2011).

Nigeria, like many other UN member nations, signed and adopted the agenda Millennium Development Goals in 2000 with the aim of implementing them over the next 15 years. In June 2005, the G8 finance ministers made a significant decision to allocate funds to the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the African Development Bank (AFDB). This allocation aimed to cancel a substantial amount of debt, ranging from 40 to $55 billion, owed by heavily indebted poor countries, including Nigeria. The purpose of this debt cancellation was to enable these nations to redirect their resources towards crucial programmes focused on enhancing health and education, as well as alleviating poverty. Nigeria received debt relief as a direct consequence of this. Nigeria fell short of achieving all the MDGs within the designated timeframe of fifteen years (2000-2015). The Nigeria government has failed to effectively address the significant challenges facing the country. Subsequently, Nigeria and the United Nations collectively transitioned towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

Sustainable development encompasses the concept of balancing present needs with the ability of future generations to fulfil their own needs. This concept aims to achieve a balance between three pillars: economic, environmental, and social. It is widely regarded as the key to achieving sustainability. These pillars can be likened to the three legs of a stool, crucial and harmonious for the existence of sustainable development. In 2015, the United Nations (UN) introduced the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with the aim of safeguarding the environment and enhancing the overall quality of life for everyone. Today, the SDGs serve as a global framework for international collaboration and a measure of progress towards attaining sustainability.

Progress. Nigeria faces a complex challenge in striving to achieve a sustainable development agenda that aligns with the SDGs. There are two conflicting aspects to consider. Firstly, the country must address the disparities in infrastructure and economic development. However, it also faces the difficult task of achieving this in a sustainable way, given the security challenges it faces nationwide.

Security, the opposite of insecurity, should ideally be a fundamental aspect of human existence. However, due to misguided political, religious, and cultural beliefs, it has been callously and recklessly disregarded. Hence, security is perceived as a condition where individuals are protected from various risks to their well-being, including physical harm, diseases, joblessness, and violations of their fundamental rights, regardless of their location within a nation's borders. Although the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria emphasises that the primary objective of the government is to ensure the security and welfare of the people. Nevertheless, it appears that the Nigerian government has not been effective in addressing the security issues. The provision of a protected and safe environment for lives, assets, and the conduct of commercial and economic operations in Nigeria has been impacted by the attitude of certain people holding positions towards the protection of life, such as the service chiefs and Director Generals of security outfits. It has been proven that individuals in influential positions are responsible for and support the nation's uncontrolled insurgencies. For example, the former National Security adviser to president Goodluck Jonathan was apprehended for misappropriating funds intended for the protection of lives for personal gain. The nation's high rate of dependence on foreign equivalents and high poverty rate in the nation both indicate this. Consequently, business investors have become disinterested and dissatisfied with the government's inability to ensure a secure and favourable environment for the protection of lives, properties, and the conduct of business, along with many other economic activities. The presence of racial tensions, religious violence, and criminality in various regions of the nation has resulted in a disruption of commercial and economic activity, ultimately hindering Nigeria's economic growth and development. These factors significantly influence industrial development and sustainable growth. This is because corporate investors are not interested in investing in environments that are risky or unstable.

If insecurity was eliminated, Nigeria would experience greater development as both individuals and foreign companies would be more inclined to invest in the country, confident in the safety of their investments. The interdependence of national security and sustainable economic development cannot be underestimated. The relationship between the environment and the economy is a central aspect of sustainable development (Pearce & Barbier, 2000). Throughout the period of independence, the agricultural industry in Nigeria played a crucial role in driving the economy and providing employment opportunities for the active labour force. However, in the current era, grain-producing states are facing the unfortunate situation of being targeted by armed bandits, terrorists, and marauding herders, which is causing significant obstacles for farmers who are unable to reach their farms. Niger, Ebonyi, Nasarawa, Bauchi and Kaduna, along with several other grain-producing states, have been severely impacted by continuous attacks from bandits, terrorists, and Boko Haram insurgents. It is worth noting that on February 4 of this year, Nigeria was listed by the World Food Programme (WFP) as one of the four countries facing severe hunger, alongside Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Yemen.

The research seeks to examine the adverse impacts of insecurity on industrialization and sustainable development, along with its sources in the contemporary world and possible remedies for the issue in Nigeria.

​​​​​​​Statement of Problem

Industrialization in Nigeria has been pursued since the early 1960s (Famade, 2007). This was achieved through the implementation of various industrial development policies. In spite of Nigeria's limited level of industrialization, it exerts a significant impact on the environment as well as the economic and social development of the country. One of the economic advantages is the significant increase in the gross domestic product (GDP) between 2008 and 2009, which exhibited a notable 8.04% difference (Beckerman, 2007). In addition, the rise of industrialization led to advancements in healthcare services, including the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and other medical equipment. The ongoing gas flaring by multinational oil firms in the oil industry is a pressing environmental issue that the federal government has been unable to effectively address, despite numerous measures taken. These issues pertain to the challenges associated with industrialization and achieving sustainable growth. It is essential to reconsider the approach to formulating industrialization policies in view of these challenges. Inadequate industrialization policies or their improper application can lead to environmental instability, social unrest, and economic underdevelopment, which in turn can affect industrialization and sustainable development. Consequently, academics and policy makers are facing increased pressure to identify strategies that can enhance industrialization for sustainable development. The increasing demand for solutions may be attributed to the ongoing focus on industrialization and sustainable development in our developing world with a shared future. The process of industrialization and its effects on Nigeria's sustainable development seem to challenge several governmental initiatives.

Quantifying the impact of security issues on this country is a complex task. Despite the presence of ample natural and human resources, the population of a certain country is currently experiencing severe hunger. Based on Ibrahim's (2017) findings, the current situation of unemployment in the country has led to an increase in dangerous and illegal activities among young people. These actions include armed robbery, kidnapping, and child abduction. Many young people have tragically lost their lives due to the unfortunate circumstances that have compelled them to migrate in search of better opportunities. This can be attributed to the government's inability to provide public services and meet the needs of the population, such as housing, food, and clothing. Based on data from the international centre for investigative reporting (ICIR) Nigeria, the country's budget for 2021 amounted to 13.6 trillion. Out of this, the Ministry of Health received 514 billion, which accounts for approximately 3.7 percent of the total budget. As a result of inadequate funding, Nigeria's public health facilities are in a state of disrepair and lack the necessary resources to provide services. According to Olufemi (2021), Nigeria is currently using a significant portion of its annual revenue to service its debts. Despite concerns from policy experts about the sustainability of these actions, the government remains steadfast in its pursuit of driving the country into financial ruin. Therefore, as a result of their failure to fulfil their basic needs, Nigerians have accumulated a deep-seated anger that can easily be ignited by any event, leading to outbreaks of violence. The argument posits that despite Nigeria's ample resources to fulfil the needs of its citizens, the pervasive corruption within government positions has hindered officials from prioritising the welfare of the general populace. Nigeria generates significant revenue from oil sales, yet it does not allocate these funds towards addressing the welfare of its citizens, developing infrastructure, or fostering economic growth.

Under such circumstances, the likelihood of crime escalating becomes unavoidable, making it challenging to guarantee personal safety and protect one's property. The country's political, social, and economic stability are at risk without adequate security measures in place. Insecurity in the nation has a significant impact beyond just foreign direct investment and economic activities. It erodes the confidence of many companies when it comes to starting up.

Operations in specific areas in Nigeria will have far-reaching consequences, including a significant impact on the country's economy. As a result, the private sector, which plays a crucial role, is impacted. What steps can be taken to decrease the number of security incidents in Nigeria?

​​​​​​​Objectives of The Study

The major objective of this study is to determine the effect of insecurity on industrialization and sustainable development in Nigeria. Specifically, the study is established to:

1. To Identify the causes of insecurity in Nigeria.

2. To ascertain the impact of insecurity on industrialization and sustainable development in Nigeria

3. To identify solutions that will curb insecurity and aid sustainable development in Nigeria.

 

​​​​​​​Significance of the Study

The results of the study will be important to many people involved in relevant concerns, including the government, security agencies, and necessary participants in the study. The government will utilize this study in part to proffer solutions to issues relating to the economy that have increased insecurity, such as creating jobs, developing economic policies that will benefit the youth, effective programs to combat poverty, combating corruption through efficient corruption agencies, etc. The study's section on security agencies will cover the difficulties that the agencies are dealing with as well as securityrelated concerns and challenges. In order to exploit these obstacles to better strengthen security elements in the struggle against insurgency and instability, the research will highlight the difficulties that have made security concerns more difficult. The study will look at the importance of development in the country. All governments consider development to be their primary responsibility. This means that the governments at all levels should implement programs and strategies to achieve all the important goals. Every responsible government is expected to develop comprehensive plans on a regular basis to improve residents social, economic and political wellbeing, among other things.

The study will also be important to academics in that its conclusions and recommendations may be added to the body of knowledge in the area that other researchers may use as a starting point for future investigations. Last but not least, in order to educate the public of the findings, conferences, workshops, and seminars will be organized.

​​​​​​​Research Questions

The following are the questions the research seek to answer;

1. What are the causes of insecurity in Nigeria?

2. What are the effects of insecurity on Industrialization and Sustainable Development in Nigeria?

3. What are the solutions to the challenges of security and sustainable development in Nigeria?

Research Propositions

The researcher makes the following proposition in relation to the research work.

1. There are no causes of Insecurity in Nigeria

2. There is no effect of insecurity on industrialisation and sustainable development in Nigeria.

3. There are no solutions to the challenges of security and sustainable development

Research Methodology

The research employs qualitative research techniques. The data for the research was collected using secondary sources. Secondary sources that were analysed and utilised in this research include relevant documents from websites, journals articles and available government documents written on the topic; including press releases.

​​​​​​​Scope of the Study

The research will concentrate on analyzing how insecurity affects Nigeria's industrialisation and sustainable development. The research will go into a number of concerns that emerge from insecurity, including its causes, difficulties, and other connected problems, as well as how it has influenced Nigeria's industrialisation from the year 2010 to date. Limitations of the study include the inability to access sensitive documents to assist in answering the research questions more indepthly.

​​​​​​​Definition of Terms

Economic Development: Anderson (2019) defines Economic Development as programs, policies or activities that seek to improve the economic wellbeing and quality of life for a community.

Foreign Direct Investment: Simon (2008) defines foreign direct investment (FDI) as a purchase of an interest in a company by a company or an investor located outside its borders. Generally, the term is used to describe a business decision to acquire a substantial stake in a foreign business or to buy it outright in order to expand its operations to a new region.

Industralisation: McCowell (2014) defines Industrialisation is the period of social and economic change that transforms a human group from an agrarian society into an industrial society. This involves an extensive reorganisation of an economy for the purpose of manufacturing.

Insecurity: Alison (2014) opines that Insecurity presupposes a state of general breakdown of law and order, or a situation where the citizens of a country are exposed to an uncontrollable danger whereby everyone lives in fear of whatever might happen the next moment.

Insurgency: Corbin (2012) defines insurgency as ais a violent, armed rebellion against authority waged by small, lightly armed bands who practice guerrilla warfare from primarily rural base areas.

Development:    Pearson    (1992)    defines    development    as    ―an    improvement,    qualitative, quantitative, or both, in the use of available resources.‖ He also claims that development does not relate to a single viewpoint on social, political, or economic progress. Instead, it is a hybrid word for a variety of tactics used to transform socioeconomic and environmental conditions from their existing to desired ones.

Sustainable Development: Sustainable development is the idea that human societies must live and meet their needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs

1.91 Organization of Study

The study is organized into five chapters; the first chapter is the introductory chapter that considers the background to the study, the statement of the problem, the objectives and the significance of the study.

The second chapter looks at the literature review and theoretical framework where scholars‘ thoughts on the previous work would be considered It will also include the empirical review and conceptual framework of the study.

The third chapter seeks to answer the first research question on the causes of insecurity in Nigeria with a view to connect its impact on industralisation and sustainable development.

The fourth chapter seeks to find solutions to the security challenges and how it can be implemented for lasting development.

The fifth chapter considers the summary of the findings, conclusions, and recommendations.