National Security and Sustainable Development in Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Sustainable development, defined by the United Nations as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, has gained global momentum as a cornerstone of economic, social, and environmental progress. Simultaneously, nationwide security encompasses a spectrum of challenges, including military stability, economic resilience, and social harmony, all of which are fundamental to sustainable development. Nigeria has been experiencing security challenges that threaten to undermine sustainable development in the country. Despite its abundant oil wealth, there has been an unimaginable level of poverty, unemployment, inequality, poor infrastructure, lack of social amenities and insignificant development. In light of this, the paper seeks to evaluate the impact of national security challenges on sustainable development in Nigeria with a particular reference to Plateau State. The study adopted the qualitative and descriptive methods of data analysis. Findings from the paper reveal, among others, that the security challenges in Plateau State, Nigeria have long historical antecedents, and the crises and conflicts in the State are the consequences of several years of neglect of youths and the vulnerable by successive governments in the State. The paper therefore recommends amongst others the Plateau State government should strengthening community-based security architecture, prioritize job creation through agro-industrial investments, microenterprise support, and vocational training, rebuilding Infrastructure and Public Services in Conflict-Affected Areas, leveraging technology and data for early warning and response, and establish a Plateau State Peace and Development Commission to coordinate the state’s response to insecurity and development recovery.