Prioritizing National Security: A Prerequisite for Growth and Development in Nigeria

This article examines and analyzes concrete issues that undermine national security, growth and development in Nigeria. The paper maintained that national security is under serious threats emanating from the nature and character of the Nigerian State. The Nigerian State is reduced to a means of production by the hegemonic ruling faction, which is why the abundant human and natural resources have never been a spring board for socio-economic and political development, unable to liberate the Nigerian people from the shackles of poverty, unemployment, ignorance and disease in the midst of abundance thereby, generating insecurity. Today, insecurity has enveloped everywhere as communities have been taken over by insurgents and bandits who see criminality as a means of livelihood and sustenance. The streets have been taken over by kidnappers who abduct innocent citizens and demand for huge ransoms at the slightest opportunity. Majority of the people have no hope and confidence in the Nigerian State which is a theatre of accumulation and a depot of corruption by the political elite, who keep development at bay. The paper however concluded that for Nigeria to enjoy national security and to realize her potentials, deliberate efforts must be made to curb corruption which has been a monster that halted development over the years. Economic resources should be equitably distributed among the different ethnic groups who constitute Nigeria. Government must uphold the rule of law and ensure that justice is served to all who deserve it. Elections must not only be free and fair, but must be seen to be free and fair. Enduring institutions must be built by the state to stimulate development necessary to curb poverty, unemployment and ignorance which are catalysts for security crises in Nigeria.