Abstract
Poverty and its myriad astronomical trends
and dimensions cannot be overemphasized while locating it within the context of
increasing insecurity and poor governance in Nigeria. This study therefore
explored the symbiotic relationship between insecurity, poverty and governance
in Nigeria. The paper posited that the issue of poverty is essentially a
multi-faceted phenomenon of bad leadership and governance, dependent and
unproductive economy as well as poor patronage of Nigeria’s indigenous
technology. Using the secondary method of data collection and analysis, this
paper poised that developmental processes in Nigeria that could lead to poverty
eradication with its attendant consequences on national security were
unconventionally derailed at an alarming rate such that it snowballed and
restricted the contested spaces and chances for expansion in Nigeria’s national
security. Poverty governance and national security flaws metamorphosed in such
a way that the poor masses as a means to register their discontent took arms
against the state which manifest itself in various forms; the Niger Delta and
the Boko Haram insurgency, Kidnapping, Banditry among others. From the
foregoing trends and developments of poverty and national security in Nigeria,
the study concluded by recommending for a transformational leadership as the
panacea for poverty, insecurity and poor governance as a condition for a better
Nigeria.
Keywords: National Security, Insecurity, Security, Poverty Fourth Republic
DOI: www.doi.org/10.36349/fujpam.2024.v3i02.015
author/Halima Y. Usman & Dr. Kana A.A. Ebini Ph.D.
journal/FUJPAM Vol. 3, No. 2