A major problem facing Nigeria today is the menace of insecurity. Hardly one goes through a news item without a piece allocated to this topic. Global terrorism and the fear of insecurity have impacted relations between nations. Policy issues such as migration have been affected.
Thus, have given rise to right-wing political parties, whose policies and ideologies are fueling xenophobia and in some cases racism. Several causes have been identified by experts which include: income inequality, unemployment among the teaming youths, corruption and the global economic systems in operation that have unevenly distributed resources, leaving a large percentage in the hands of a few individuals and countries to the detriment of the majority.
However, an in-depth look into the matter and another variable will emerge, the threat of climate change. What hitherto took the face of ethnoreligious conflicts, for instance, can be a resultant effect of the malaise caused primarily by the increase in human activities and mismanagement of the earth’s resources.
The causal effects are a wide range of harmful greenhouse gases which makes the planet warm up and inflict multiplayer outcomes of dehydration, increased heat-related infections and diseases, draughts and floods and affect migration patterns for both man and animals. Adversely disrupting the socio-economic activities of millions, especially people in Sub-Saharan Africa.
A US intelligence report once predicted that the spur of most conflicts in the mid-century will be the fight for natural resources such as water. In Nigeria, many studies have also supported these findings.
The Arabian Journal of Business and Management Review referred to this fact in 2012. Certainly seen in this case is the periodic movements of nomads and their livestock. This has severely impaired them in the subregion and their means of livelihood are under threat.
Desertification in the northern fringes of the Sahel region and an increase in population on the grazing routes means further downward movements and more contact with farming communities.
Consequently, grazing activities on supposed areas of farmlands can lead to conflicts. Differences in physical attributes, language and religion mean the confrontation takes a sectarian dimension.
Other tensions such as the insurgency in the northeast and the Delta region also point to similar factors. The drying out of Lake Chad where millions have been dependent for centuries for their living and activities of oil exploration such as oil spillages and gas flaring has given rise to insurgency and militancy respectively.
Worrying too is the International dimensions these uprisings are taking. This can be attributed to the porosity of the borders which is aiding the influx of weapons, smuggling of illicit drugs and import of strange ideologies alien to the citizens.
The aftermath is increased kidnappings, arm robberies and cattle rustling, banditry and sectarian crises tearing the country apart and causing disunity.
To forestall the looming doom, there is an urgent need to build synergy between governments at all levels, policymakers and the citizenry.
The problems faced, though enormous are not insurmountable if drastic steps are taken. To cushion the effects of desert encroachment and deforestation, massive tree planting and forest conservation efforts should be encouraged and done over a long period. Illegal logging should be discouraged. Agricultural ranching initiatives should be established and embraced by nomads, and governments can create outlets for the sale of dairy products in collaboration with the locals. Individuals who want to participate in this venture should also be supported and enabled. Thus, this action will guarantee a full year of food production and even for export. Again solid value chain will spring out through a public-private partnership and create many job opportunities.
The Federal Government in liaison with neighbouring countries through the multi-national Joint Task Force fighting insurgency and the Ubangi-Shari river, the initiative envisioned to bring water from the Congo basin to Lake Chad should be adequately funded in collaboration with regional allies and other international bodies. State governments can encourage ‘Neighbourhood watch’ to serve as intelligence backup gathering information for the security forces.
The use of technology: drone deployment and unmanned weapons, unconventional methods of digging moats around large porous routes and border walls can also be considered.
These will effectively curb the inflows of illicit substances, contrabands and illegal immigrants as well as be cost-effective.
Importantly, governments should prioritise education in affiliation with stakeholders to invest substantially in the sector crucial for development and bridging the literacy gap. They should always strive to build trust among the populace.
To have credibility, they must be transparent in financial dealings, be inclusive, magnanimous and encompassing in governance and ensure that only people-friendly policies are promulgated and executed. ..
They can do these by building a coalition of experts, technocrats and tested individuals to achieve desired goals and visions. Leadership should be a call to service and the interests of the citizens should be at the focal point of developmental programs executed from the bottom, is the panacea to peace.
Ufedo Atabo is an author and writer based in Kaduna.
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