The Nigerian State and Strategies for Eliminating Security Challenges In Nigeria

Abstract

The right to life is a fundamental human right that is engrave in the constitution of most independent countries. This make most sovereign state to be the most important and dominant structure within the social system. Security of life and property on the other hand has long been a part of human existence and sustenance and could be aptly viewed as freedom from threat or violence which is also known as peace. Durable peace has remained elusive in Nigeria since the country gained independence. The nature and character of the Nigerian state which has a colonial origin has led to the manifestations of insecurity and violence in different trends which include; youth involvement in crime, collective and targeted violence against individuals, groups and state institutions which have escalated over the years. The major objective of this paper is to examine the nature of Nigerian state and the high level of insecurity challenges, and strategies that can help eliminate them. Exploratory design with data drawn from secondary sources, and a qualitative method of analysis were adopted. Findings revealed that; the Nigerian state is weak and has displayed gross incapacity to deal with various security challenges plaguing the country; also, Nigeria’s reliance on the use of coercion, has not been able to fully address the challenges of insecurity in the country. The paper recommends that the Nigerian state must rise up from her slumber, overcome its inherent weakness and give direction to political and economic development of the polity.