4 - Investment in Security Forces and Human Development Challenges in Africa: Lessons from Nigeria’s Experience
Corresponding Author(s) : Plangshak Musa Suchi
Africa Development,
Vol. 44 No. 1 (2019): Africa Development: Special Issue on Money, Security and Democratic Governance in Africa (I)
Abstract
This article addresses the question of how investment in state security forces has affected the capacity and interest of African states to deal with other human development challenges, using Nigeria as its empirical core. In particular, the Nigerian state’s response to contemporary security challenges in the country, such as insurgency and terrorism, kidnapping, and herders–farmers conflicts, provides the basis for the discussion. Based on secondary data analysis, the article argues that enormous resources have been invested in security forces in Nigeria since independence in 1960, at the expense of fixing other basic human development challenges such as widespread misery and poverty, poor healthcare facilities, low life expectancy, low literacy, high levels of unemployment, and monumental corruption especially among high profile individuals, organisations and governments. The article emphasises the cost of counter-insurgency in terms of huge budgetary allocations to the security forces, especially how this has crowded out resources from other human development challenges in the country.
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- Abdullahi, S., 2013, ‘Corruption, Good Governance and Democratization in Africa: The Nigerian Experience’, in A.S. Modibbo and Y.A. Adadu, eds, Democracy and Development in Africa, Keffi: Nasarawa State University.
- Adetayo, O., 2017a, ‘Osinbajo signs 2017 budget, explains delay’, The Punch, 13 June, p. 21.
- Adetayo, O., 2017b, ‘Nigeria’s unity not negotiable, Osinbajo insists’, The Punch, 26 June, p. 14.
- Adu-Amanfoh, F., 2014, The Role of Peace and Security, Political Leadership, and Entrepreneurship in the Socio-Economic Development of Emerging Countries, Bloomington, IN: Authorhouse.
- Africa Investment Report, 2016, Analyse Africa, Data.Trends.Intelligence, www. analyseAfrica.com.
- Ajefu, E., 2017, ‘Nigeria will be out of recession in 2018, all things being equal –Statistician-General’, Economic Confidential 10 (126), June, p. 10.
- Alemika, E. O., 2015, ‘Prevalence, pattern and consequences of insecurity in Nigerian cities’, Annals of the Social Science Academy of Nigeria 20: 16–46.
- Alemika, E.O., Amucheazi, E., Oyebode, A.B. and Yahaya, A.D., 2010, Traditional Rulers in Nigeria, Ibadan: Safari Books.
- Alubo, O., 2006, Ethnic Conflicts and Citizenship Crises in the Central Region, Ibadan. Programme on Ethnic and Federal Studies.
- Amaefule, E., 2017, ‘Nigeria’s debt rises by N7.1tn in two years’, The Punch 41 (21), 452, p. 21.
- Ameh, J., 2017, ‘Presidency not wrong by delayed budget signing – Rep’, The Punch 41 (21,451), 53.
- Ameh, J., Baiyewu, L. and Dauda, P., 2017, ‘Insecurity: lawmakers dump official vehicle number plates’, Saturday Punch 7387 (1886), p. 3.
- Asu, F., 2017, ‘Nigeria lags behind 16 African countries in oil governance’, The Punch 41 (21,4698), p. 28.
- Bello, N., 2017, ‘It’s time to restructure Nigeria, says Babangida’, The Guardian 33 (14,060), pp.6.
- Budgeti, T., 2016, 2017 Budget: A Review of Proposed 2017 Budget, Lagos: Budgeti T., Castells, M., 1997,The Information Age: Economy, Society and Culture, Vol. II – The Power of Identity, Oxford: Blackwell.
- Ekpo, O. 2017, ‘Much ado about Nigeria’s recovery and growth’, TELL Magazine, 3 July, p. 51.
- Eric, M., Umeh, K. and Akpa, N., 2017, ‘Agitations reflective of rot in polity, says Sultan’, The Guardian 33 (14,061), pp. 1, 6.
- Eteng, G.B., 2016, ‘Contemporary security challenges in Nigeria’, African Journal for Security and Development 2 (2): 35–50.
- Ferguson, J., 2006, Global Shadows: Africa in the Neoliberal World Order, Durham, NC and London: Duke University Press.
- Gofwen, R.I., 2004, Religious Conflicts in Northern Nigeria and Nation Building: The Throes of Two Decades 1980-2000, Kaduna: Human Rights Monitor.
- Hussein, K., Gnisci, D. and Wanjiru, J., 2004, ‘Security and human security: an overview of concepts and initiatives. What implications for West Africa?’, Issues Paper OECD: SAH/D (2004)547.
- Hobbes, T., 1968, Leviathan, Aylesbury, England: Penguin.
- Jibrin, A.D., 2016, ‘Governance and the challenge of leadership in Nigeria’, National Sustainable Development Review 1 (1): 146–57.
- Loader, I., 2000, ‘Plural policing and democratic governance’, Social and Legal Studies 9: 323–45.
- Odekunle, F., 2010, ‘Internal Security and Development, in E.E.O. Alemika, M. Haruna and B. Yusuf, eds, Police, Security and Democratic Governance in Nigeria, Ibadan: Spectrum Books Ltd.
- Odekunle, F., 2014, ‘Emplacing the culture of transparency and accountability in tertiary institutions in Nigeria for development’, Annals of the Social Science Academy of Nigeria, 18, 19: 61.
- Oguamanam, C., 2016, Herder’s Republic: Nigeria at Cusp of Another Security Crisis, Ottawa: Ottawa University Press.
- Ogundiran, A., ed., 2005, Precolonial Nigeria: Essays in Honour of Toyin Falola, Trenton, NJ: Africa World Press.
- Okafor, J.I., Apeh, P.E. and Madugu, U., 2015, Book Review: Human Development Report (2014). Sustaining Human Progress: Reducing Vulnerabilities and Building Resilience, New York: UNDP.
- Olugbile, S., 2017, ‘PDP governors back APC’s counterparts’ call for restructuring’, The Punch 41 (21,467), p. 9.
- Onu, F.O., Onuche, O.I. and Onaji, O.E., 2016, ‘Internal security crisis and the state of Nigeria’s economy: towards a workable solution’, Jos Journal of Social Issues 9 (1): 85–92.
- Meagher, K., 2012, ‘The strength of weak states? non-state security forces and hybrid governance in Africa’, Development and Change 34 (5): 1073–101.
- Minti, T.C., 2016, ‘International terrorism and implications for Nigeria’, African Journal for Security and Development 2 (2): 7–22.
- Hussaini, K.S., 2016, ‘Homegrown terrorism: the Boko Haram insurgency’, African Journal for Security and Development 2 (2): 23–34.
- Sawyer, S., 2014, ‘CFR backgrounders: Boko Haram’, http://www.cfr.org/nigeria/bokoharam/p25739, accessed 8 March 2015.
- Schmelzle, C., 2011, ‘Evaluating governance: effectiveness and legitimacy in areas of limited statehood’, SFB – Governance Working Paper Series No. 26.
- Schneier, B., 2006, Beyond fear: Thinking sensibly about security in an uncertain world. New York: Springer.
- Sesay, A. and Kayode, O., 2016, ‘Regionalisation and the new security challenges in West Africa: a focus on initiatives to combat human trafficking’, African Journal for Security and Development (2): 64–82.
- Shearing, C. D., 1992, ‘The relation between public and private policing’, Crime and Justice, 15: 399-434.
- Soyinka, A., 2015, ‘Will Jonathan return?’, TELL Magazine, 26 January, pp. 19–24. Suchi, 2013, ‘Commercial policing industry in Nigeria: growth, services and regulation’, draft research paper presented at the 2013 Session of the Democratic Governance Institute of CODESRIA, held 5–23 August, Dakar, Senegal.
- Suchi, P.M., 2014, ‘Non-state policing in Karu, North-Central Nigeria: understanding the basis for the legitimacy of vigilante groups’, Violence and Development Project Papers No.14, pp. 1–29.
- Suchi, P.M., 2016a, ‘Insecurity and vigilantism in Karu, North-Central Nigeria: community members’ perceptions of Nyanya Gwandar vigilante group’, Jos Journal of Social Issues 9 (1): 34–47.
- Suchi, P.M., 2016b, ‘Recent Political Development in Nigeria: Implications for Democracy, Economic Sovereignty and Development’, in D. Tamen, P.M. Suchi and M.J. Onobe, eds, Nigeria: Journeying in Socio-economic and Political Development, Abuja: Topaz Publishing House.
- Tamuno, T., 2012, Stakeholders at War in Nigeria: From Lord Lugard to President Goodluck Jonathan, Vol. 1, Ibadan: Stirling-Horden Publishers.
- UNDP, 1994, Human Development Report, New Dimensions of Human Security, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- World Bank Report, 2000, Voices of the Poor: Crying out for Change, World Bank: New York. World Development Report, 2011, Conflict, security and development, Washington, DC: World Bank.
References
Abdullahi, S., 2013, ‘Corruption, Good Governance and Democratization in Africa: The Nigerian Experience’, in A.S. Modibbo and Y.A. Adadu, eds, Democracy and Development in Africa, Keffi: Nasarawa State University.
Adetayo, O., 2017a, ‘Osinbajo signs 2017 budget, explains delay’, The Punch, 13 June, p. 21.
Adetayo, O., 2017b, ‘Nigeria’s unity not negotiable, Osinbajo insists’, The Punch, 26 June, p. 14.
Adu-Amanfoh, F., 2014, The Role of Peace and Security, Political Leadership, and Entrepreneurship in the Socio-Economic Development of Emerging Countries, Bloomington, IN: Authorhouse.
Africa Investment Report, 2016, Analyse Africa, Data.Trends.Intelligence, www. analyseAfrica.com.
Ajefu, E., 2017, ‘Nigeria will be out of recession in 2018, all things being equal –Statistician-General’, Economic Confidential 10 (126), June, p. 10.
Alemika, E. O., 2015, ‘Prevalence, pattern and consequences of insecurity in Nigerian cities’, Annals of the Social Science Academy of Nigeria 20: 16–46.
Alemika, E.O., Amucheazi, E., Oyebode, A.B. and Yahaya, A.D., 2010, Traditional Rulers in Nigeria, Ibadan: Safari Books.
Alubo, O., 2006, Ethnic Conflicts and Citizenship Crises in the Central Region, Ibadan. Programme on Ethnic and Federal Studies.
Amaefule, E., 2017, ‘Nigeria’s debt rises by N7.1tn in two years’, The Punch 41 (21), 452, p. 21.
Ameh, J., 2017, ‘Presidency not wrong by delayed budget signing – Rep’, The Punch 41 (21,451), 53.
Ameh, J., Baiyewu, L. and Dauda, P., 2017, ‘Insecurity: lawmakers dump official vehicle number plates’, Saturday Punch 7387 (1886), p. 3.
Asu, F., 2017, ‘Nigeria lags behind 16 African countries in oil governance’, The Punch 41 (21,4698), p. 28.
Bello, N., 2017, ‘It’s time to restructure Nigeria, says Babangida’, The Guardian 33 (14,060), pp.6.
Budgeti, T., 2016, 2017 Budget: A Review of Proposed 2017 Budget, Lagos: Budgeti T., Castells, M., 1997,The Information Age: Economy, Society and Culture, Vol. II – The Power of Identity, Oxford: Blackwell.
Ekpo, O. 2017, ‘Much ado about Nigeria’s recovery and growth’, TELL Magazine, 3 July, p. 51.
Eric, M., Umeh, K. and Akpa, N., 2017, ‘Agitations reflective of rot in polity, says Sultan’, The Guardian 33 (14,061), pp. 1, 6.
Eteng, G.B., 2016, ‘Contemporary security challenges in Nigeria’, African Journal for Security and Development 2 (2): 35–50.
Ferguson, J., 2006, Global Shadows: Africa in the Neoliberal World Order, Durham, NC and London: Duke University Press.
Gofwen, R.I., 2004, Religious Conflicts in Northern Nigeria and Nation Building: The Throes of Two Decades 1980-2000, Kaduna: Human Rights Monitor.
Hussein, K., Gnisci, D. and Wanjiru, J., 2004, ‘Security and human security: an overview of concepts and initiatives. What implications for West Africa?’, Issues Paper OECD: SAH/D (2004)547.
Hobbes, T., 1968, Leviathan, Aylesbury, England: Penguin.
Jibrin, A.D., 2016, ‘Governance and the challenge of leadership in Nigeria’, National Sustainable Development Review 1 (1): 146–57.
Loader, I., 2000, ‘Plural policing and democratic governance’, Social and Legal Studies 9: 323–45.
Odekunle, F., 2010, ‘Internal Security and Development, in E.E.O. Alemika, M. Haruna and B. Yusuf, eds, Police, Security and Democratic Governance in Nigeria, Ibadan: Spectrum Books Ltd.
Odekunle, F., 2014, ‘Emplacing the culture of transparency and accountability in tertiary institutions in Nigeria for development’, Annals of the Social Science Academy of Nigeria, 18, 19: 61.
Oguamanam, C., 2016, Herder’s Republic: Nigeria at Cusp of Another Security Crisis, Ottawa: Ottawa University Press.
Ogundiran, A., ed., 2005, Precolonial Nigeria: Essays in Honour of Toyin Falola, Trenton, NJ: Africa World Press.
Okafor, J.I., Apeh, P.E. and Madugu, U., 2015, Book Review: Human Development Report (2014). Sustaining Human Progress: Reducing Vulnerabilities and Building Resilience, New York: UNDP.
Olugbile, S., 2017, ‘PDP governors back APC’s counterparts’ call for restructuring’, The Punch 41 (21,467), p. 9.
Onu, F.O., Onuche, O.I. and Onaji, O.E., 2016, ‘Internal security crisis and the state of Nigeria’s economy: towards a workable solution’, Jos Journal of Social Issues 9 (1): 85–92.
Meagher, K., 2012, ‘The strength of weak states? non-state security forces and hybrid governance in Africa’, Development and Change 34 (5): 1073–101.
Minti, T.C., 2016, ‘International terrorism and implications for Nigeria’, African Journal for Security and Development 2 (2): 7–22.
Hussaini, K.S., 2016, ‘Homegrown terrorism: the Boko Haram insurgency’, African Journal for Security and Development 2 (2): 23–34.
Sawyer, S., 2014, ‘CFR backgrounders: Boko Haram’, http://www.cfr.org/nigeria/bokoharam/p25739, accessed 8 March 2015.
Schmelzle, C., 2011, ‘Evaluating governance: effectiveness and legitimacy in areas of limited statehood’, SFB – Governance Working Paper Series No. 26.
Schneier, B., 2006, Beyond fear: Thinking sensibly about security in an uncertain world. New York: Springer.
Sesay, A. and Kayode, O., 2016, ‘Regionalisation and the new security challenges in West Africa: a focus on initiatives to combat human trafficking’, African Journal for Security and Development (2): 64–82.
Shearing, C. D., 1992, ‘The relation between public and private policing’, Crime and Justice, 15: 399-434.
Soyinka, A., 2015, ‘Will Jonathan return?’, TELL Magazine, 26 January, pp. 19–24. Suchi, 2013, ‘Commercial policing industry in Nigeria: growth, services and regulation’, draft research paper presented at the 2013 Session of the Democratic Governance Institute of CODESRIA, held 5–23 August, Dakar, Senegal.
Suchi, P.M., 2014, ‘Non-state policing in Karu, North-Central Nigeria: understanding the basis for the legitimacy of vigilante groups’, Violence and Development Project Papers No.14, pp. 1–29.
Suchi, P.M., 2016a, ‘Insecurity and vigilantism in Karu, North-Central Nigeria: community members’ perceptions of Nyanya Gwandar vigilante group’, Jos Journal of Social Issues 9 (1): 34–47.
Suchi, P.M., 2016b, ‘Recent Political Development in Nigeria: Implications for Democracy, Economic Sovereignty and Development’, in D. Tamen, P.M. Suchi and M.J. Onobe, eds, Nigeria: Journeying in Socio-economic and Political Development, Abuja: Topaz Publishing House.
Tamuno, T., 2012, Stakeholders at War in Nigeria: From Lord Lugard to President Goodluck Jonathan, Vol. 1, Ibadan: Stirling-Horden Publishers.
UNDP, 1994, Human Development Report, New Dimensions of Human Security, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
World Bank Report, 2000, Voices of the Poor: Crying out for Change, World Bank: New York. World Development Report, 2011, Conflict, security and development, Washington, DC: World Bank.