UNIVERSITY OF JOS JOURNAL OF POLITICAL SCIENCE
This journal is set to advance scholarship in all areas of political science and related disciplines. Properly researched articles, that are not presented elsewhere are to be accepted for publication in the journal. Topical issues that are of national and global interest from the political science perspectives are part of the set aims of the journal. The scope of the journal is universal, accepting contributions from all parts of the world, and the journal is published quarterly. In our bid to be on top of emerging developments and actively contributing to knowledge we call for papers without restricting the call to Political Science discipline alone. All the articles submitted are subjected to double reviews external and internal reviewers are engaged using standard guidelines in assessing the papers.
AN EXAMINATION OF THE DRIVERS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN NORTH-WESTERN NIGERIA: INSTITUTIONAL AND CIVIL SOCIETY PERSPECTIVES
Human trafficking remains one of the most pervasive transnational crimes, undermining human dignity and security across the globe. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (2023) reports that nearly 27.6 million people are trapped in situations of forced labor and exploitation worldwide, with Africa accounting for about 40 percent of detected victims. Nigeria, given its strategic position in West Africa, is both a source, transit, and destination country for trafficking, with the North-West region serving as a significant corridor due to porous borders, poverty, and persistent insecurity. This study investigates the issues promoting the human trafficking movement through North-Western Nigeria by examining perspectives from the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) officials and non-governmental organizations such as WOTCLEF, Zamani Foundation, and the Child Protection Network. The study adopted structural violence theory, using a qualitative research design; in-depth interviews were conducted with representatives of these institutions. Thematic analysis revealed that economic hardship, porous borders, weak law enforcement, cultural norms, insurgency, and lack of awareness collectively sustain trafficking dynamics in the region. NAPTIP officials emphasized structural weaknesses in law enforcement and border management, while NGO respondents highlighted poverty, broken family systems, and the failure of social safety nets as critical drivers. The study concludes that trafficking in North-Western Nigeria is perpetuated by the intersection of structural vulnerabilities and socio-economic deprivation. It recommends strengthening cross-border surveillance, expanding community awareness programs, enhancing inter-agency collaboration, and addressing root causes such as poverty and unemployment to curtail the trafficking movement.
VIGILANTISM AND ITS IMPACT ON CRIME PREVENTION IN ANGWAN RUKUBA COMMUNITY IN JOS NORTH LGA, PLATEAU STATE
Vigilantism has emerged as a critical mechanism for community-based security in Nigeria, particularly in regions where formal policing is perceived as inadequate. This study examines the impact of vigilantism on crime prevention in the Angwan Rukuba community of Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, addressing a significant empirical gap in context-specific security research. Grounded in Social Control Theory and Social Contract Theory, the study analyzes how the breakdown of institutional bonds and a perceived "broken contract" with the state drive residents toward informal self-help measures. Adopting a cross-sectional research design, the study utilized a structured questionnaire to gather primary data from 392 respondents across five strategic locations. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-Square analysis to determine the relationship between institutional security failure and vigilante emergence. The findings reveal that 40.1% of respondents identified inadequate police presence as the primary motivator for vigilantism, while 75% reported a significant reduction in crime following the operation of these groups. The statistical evidence confirms that while vigilantism effectively fills immediate security voids, it operates outside formal legal frameworks, raising concerns about long-term accountability. The study concludes that vigilantism is a necessary but temporary response to state fragility. It recommends the formal integration of vigilante groups into community policing frameworks and a strengthening of formal police capacity to restore institutional trust and ensure sustainable social order.
THE ROLE OF E-GOVERNANCE IN CONFLICT MANAGEMENT: A STUDY OF FARMER-HERDER CONFLICT IN WASE LGA, PLATEAU STATE. 2015-2024
This qualitative study explores the potential of e-governance as a tool for mitigating persistent farmer-herder conflicts in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria. The research is motivated by the limitations of traditional conflict resolution mechanisms, which are often characterized by delays, perceived bias, and a lack of transparency, thereby eroding trust and perpetuating cycles of violence. This study posits that e-governance, through its core principles of transparency, improved information access, and participatory engagement could offer an innovative pathway to bridge this trust deficit and facilitate more effective conflict mitigation. The study is anchored on the Network Governance theory and the Access to Information theory as its theoretical framework and employed a qualitative research design. Secondary sources of data collection from textbooks, journals papers, internet materials, and seminar and conference papers. The findings reveal a significant yearning among stakeholders for more accountable and efficient conflict resolution processes. The study perceived the potential in e-governance tools, such as mobile-based reporting systems and digital land mapping, for enabling early warning, fostering dialogue, and ensuring accountability. However, critical barriers were identified, including profound distrust in institutions, low digital literacy, inadequate telecommunication infrastructure, and concerns over the digital exclusion of vulnerable groups. The study concludes that while e-governance holds strong transformative potentials for conflict mitigation in Wase LGA, its success is critically contingent on addressing these foundational barriers. It recommends that Plateau State Ministry of Science and Technology should partner with local communities to co-design a simple SMS-based conflict reporting system and telecom providers should partner with the government to improve network infrastructure in rural Wase to provide zero-rated access to conflict management portals.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC SHOCKS AND THE INFORMAL SECTOR: A POLITICAL ECONOMY ANALYSIS OF PETROL SUBSIDY REMOVAL IN KOGI STATE, NIGERIA
On May 29, 2023 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made the pronouncement of fuel subsidy removal, this marked a significant shift in Nigeria’s neoliberal trajectory. This policy shift has fundamentally restricted the entrepreneurial and economic freedoms previously buoyed by a welfarist market structure. Crucially, it has strained the social networks and collective organizations that traditionally protect individual informal workers such as petty traders, artisans, and commercial transport operators within peri-urban communities. This study argues that the withdrawal of fuel subsidies, and the subsequent economic hardships, has disproportionately devastated the informal economy in these areas, primarily due to the conspicuous absence of robust social protection programmes for vulnerable populations. The research utilizes a qualitative dominant approach, focusing on Kogi State, where data was generated through Key Informant Interviews (KII) and Focus Group Discussions (FGD) across three senatorial districts. Findings indicate that the policy has significantly reduced the personal income of informal workers and hampered government revenue at the local level. Furthermore, the study highlights a "slow growth rate" in peri-urban zones compared to urban centers, as palliatives often fail to reach these peripheral communities. The study concludes that sustainable economic development in the Fourth Republic requires a policy recalibration, including the provision of financial capital, material palliatives, and accessible social protection facilities specifically tailored for peri-urban informal workers. Addressing these gaps is vital to fulfilling the social contract and mitigating the civil unrest associated with subsidy removal.
REALISM AND INTERNATIONALISM IN COLLECTIVE SECURITY: THE ROLE OF INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS IN PREVENTING WAR.
This study examines whether international organizations can guarantee peace and prevent war through the lenses of realism, internationalism, and collective security. While realism underscores the limitations of institutions in an anarchic system dominated by state interests, internationalism highlights the potential of cooperation and shared norms, and collective security emphasizes deterrence through unity. Case studies such as the League of Nations, the European Union, NATO interventions, and the Russia-Ukraine war illustrate both the successes and failures of international organizations in maintaining peace and order on the global stage. It also looks at the Venezuela and Donald Trump case study in contemporary international relations. The study builds on the collective Security theory as its theoretical framework. The study concluded that international organizations cannot guarantee peace, but they remain indispensable mechanisms for reducing conflict and fostering stability. The study recommended that Nations should strengthen their commitment to multilateral cooperation through established international organizations, such as the United Nations. It is needed for more diplomatic efforts and crisis management mechanisms within these organizations to facilitate collective security initiatives.
NIGERIAN FOREIGN POLICY AND THE LEADERSHIP QUESTION IN CONTEMPORARY AFRICA
Nigeria has long been regarded as the “giant of Africa,” wielding considerable influence as a distinguished leader in regional diplomacy, peacekeeping, and Pan-African initiatives. However, in recent decades, the country’s international standing has visibly declined, raising questions about its capacity to sustain continental leadership in an era of shifting geopolitical dynamics. This article interrogates Nigeria’s dwindling influence in Africa through a political economy discourse, emphasizing how structural economic dependence, governance crises, and persistent insecurity have constrained its foreign policy projection. By situating Nigeria’s decline within broader debates on dependency and hegemonic stability, the paper highlights how domestic weaknesses intersect with global transformations to reshape power relations in Africa. Comparative insights also demonstrate how emerging regional players such as South Africa, Kenya, and Rwanda increasingly occupy roles once dominated by Nigeria. The study concludes that reversing this decline requires Nigeria to undertake structural reforms, diversify its economy, and recalibrate its diplomatic engagements to align with the demands of contemporary African integration and global competition.
MONEY LAUNDERING AND NATIONAL SECURITY IN NIGERIA: IMPLICATIONS AND GOVERNMENT COUNTERMEASURES
Money laundering is a critical challenge to Nigerian national security, enabling insurgency, banditry, and economic instability. This study examines the relationship between money laundering and national security, focusing on its impacts and government countermeasures. Using a survey research design, data were collected via structured questionnaires and key informant interviews with 400 personnel from relevant security and financial regulatory agencies, supplemented by secondary official reports. Data were analyzed using simple percentages and presented in tables. The findings reveal that money laundering significantly fuels insecurity by financing violent activities and weakening economic stability through capital flight, inflation, and exchange rate volatility. It further undermines public confidence in state institutions. Although Nigeria has established robust institutional frameworks, legal reforms (such as the Money Laundering Prevention and Prohibition Act), and public enlightenment initiatives, their effectiveness is frequently constrained by enforcement gaps and poor inter-agency coordination. The study concludes that money laundering remains a foundational threat to the Nigerian state. It underscores the urgent need for a more proactive, integrated approach that prioritizes the disruption of illicit financial networks alongside traditional military efforts. Recommendations include enhancing inter-agency intelligence sharing, deploying advanced financial surveillance technologies, and deepening international cooperation on asset recovery to mitigate the national security risks associated with illicit financial flows in Nigeria."
FRAGMENTED IDENTITY POLITICS AND SECURITY ARCHITECTURE IN CONTEMPORARY NIGERIA
Fragmented identity politics has emerged as a primary destabilizing force in Nigeria, undermining institutional legitimacy and national integration. This study investigates how ethno-religious tensions and regional loyalties interact with the national security architecture to exacerbate violent conflicts, weaken intelligence coordination, and impede effective security governance in a fragile state context. Anchored in Social Identity Theory and the Fragile State Framework, the research synthesizes secondary data from academic literature, policy briefs, and security datasets, including the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) and the Institute for Security Studies (ISS). Findings reveal that identity-based cleavages foster parallel loyalties and politicize security appointments, severely hindering inter-agency collaboration. These fragmented identities intensify insurgency, banditry, and secessionist agitations, overwhelming an overstretched security apparatus. The study further identifies that despite existing reforms, deep-seated distrust and the absence of a unified national narrative limit the effectiveness of community-based security initiatives. The study concludes that identity fragmentation accelerates state fragility, rendering security challenges protracted and cyclical. Without coherent strategies to depoliticize identity and rebuild institutional trust, Nigeria’s security effectiveness will continue to decline. This research provides a critical conceptual link between identity fragmentation and institutional weakness, demonstrating how sub-national loyalties reinforce state fragility within the Nigerian security sector. The Nigerian government should prioritize inclusive nation-building and merit-based security sector reforms. Strengthening inter-agency coordination and promoting community peace-building frameworks are essential to mitigating identity-based tensions and ensuring sustainable national security.
FOOD INSECURITY AND TRADE BARRIERS IN WEST AFRICA: IMPLICATIONS FOR ECOWAS REGIONAL INTEGRATION
Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, was set up in 1975 by fifteen West African member states following the signing of Lagos Treaty by the fifteen member states. The regional body had the aim of integrating West African region through cooperation, which will improve on the lives of its citizens. To discuss and understand better what integration is all about, this paper adopted regional integration theoretical framework of Ernst Haas’s Regional Cooperation of Neo-Functionalism, which focused on spillover and gradual shifting of national loyalty to the supra-national. It also highlighted the concept of food insecurity as well as causes of food insecurity in West Africa. Such causes included: impact of climate change, high cost of food prices, challenges of farmers having little or no access to government agricultural inputs, poverty, conflicts, corruption, and lack of modern infrastructure. Besides, challenges to trade and the threat to regional integration were examined such as, lack of documentation and data on the volume of intra-regional informal trade, harassment and intimidation on trade corridors by security agents, existence of national trade barriers and restrictions, insecurity, smuggling, lack of citizens participation and lack of ECOWAS single currency. More so, Conclusion and recommendations were made in the course of this research work.
EVALUATING THE ROLE OF DONOR AGENCIES IN ADVANCING INDUSTRY, INNOVATION, AND INFRASTRUCTURE (SDG 9) IN NIGERIA.EVALUATING THE ROLE OF DONOR AGENCIES IN ADVANCING INDUSTRY, INNOVATION, AND INFRASTRUCTURE (SDG 9) IN NIGERIA
This article evaluates the role of donor agencies in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG 9), Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, in Nigeria. Drawing on secondary data from multilateral development banks, bilateral agencies, and national policy documents, the paper analyzes how donor interventions have contributed to infrastructure expansion, industrial diversification, and innovation ecosystems. Evidence highlights notable successes, such as the African Development Bank’s Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones, the World Bank’s renewable energy mini-grids, JICA’s start-up hub initiative, and EU-UNIDO projects supporting circular economy approaches. However, challenges persist, including coordination gaps, fiscal sustainability concerns linked to debt-financed projects, and limited institutional capacity for long-term maintenance. The study concludes that while donor support has catalyzed important initiatives, maximizing impact requires stronger country ownership, blended finance mechanisms, and alignment with Nigeria’s industrial policy priorities.
EMPIRE, IDENTITY, AND THE WAR FOR UKRAINE: HOW POWER NARRATIVES REDRAW THE SECURITY MAP
This paper examines the interaction of power dynamics, strategic leadership, and identity in influencing modern security architecture, utilising the Russia-Ukraine conflict as a case study. It argues that contemporary conflicts are influenced by both material capabilities and leadership psychology, as well as narratives of national identity. The analysis illustrates how Putin's centralized, ideologically motivated command and the mythologised Russian identity resulted in strategic miscalculations, whereas Ukraine's decentralised leadership and resilient identity fostered resistance and garnered international support. The study indicates that these dynamics have reconfigured global security alignments, escalated arms races, and complicated diplomatic resolutions. A qualitative case study methodology is employed, integrating realism, constructivism, and leadership psychology. Secondary sources, such as academic literature, policy reports, and official statements, are meticulously examined to delineate the progression of strategic decisions and identity narratives. The study reveals that authoritarian decision-making, weaponised identity, and overlooked diplomatic opportunities exacerbate conflict and instability. Recommendations encompass institutionalising oversight on executive authority, fostering inclusive narratives to mitigate polarization, creating rapid-response diplomatic units, and enhancing hybrid security frameworks to deter future hostilities.
DEMOCRACY AND THE CHALLENGES OF NATIONAL INTEGRATION IN NIGERIA’S FOURTH REPUBLIC
This study discusses democracy and the challenges of national integration in Nigeria. Since the inception of democracy in Nigeria’s fourth republic, Nigerian governments, past and present, have made serious efforts to propagate policies and programmes that are geared towards national integration. This study examines democracy and national integration in Nigeria and also investigates the challenges of national integration in Nigeria. This study adopts secondary sources of data collection, from books and other documentary materials, especially internet materials. Therefore, the theory of integration is adopted as the theoretical framework of analysis. The study opines that practice of democracy failed to deliver dividends of democracy to Nigerians, due to ethnicity, corruption, bad leadership, insecurity, poverty, weak institutions, executive impunity has all become the features of democracy in our current dispensation, be that as it may, national integration is been threatened. This study recommends that achieving national integration in a democratic set up, is dependent on escaping the challenges of ethnicity, corruption, bad political leadership, weak institutions and others. Nigeria must therefore settle for true federalism and good leadership devoid of any bias and sentiments to enhance democracy and national integration to a desirable level. It concludes that to claim the victory for an integrated Nigeria, the people must lead the vanguard of change and that for the continued existence of Nigeria to be guaranteed consensual agreement must be reached by its diverse ethnic nationalities.
CHALLENGES OF INTERNAL PARTY DEMOCRACY UNDER THE 2022 ELECTORAL IN PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA
Internal party democracy in Nigeria is beset with myriads of challenges which make it difficult to be achieved within political parties in Nigeria. Some of the observable challenges include imposition of candidates, controversies, internal wrangling, godfatherism, lack of ideology, inadequate provisions in the Electoral Act and inherent loopholes which politicians capitalize on, to undermine internal party democracy. This objective of the study is to establish whether or not the Electoral Act 2022 achieved its objectives of promoting internal party democracy as well as identifying challenges militating against achieving internal party democracy in Plateau state, Nigeria. Elite theory was adopted to explain the variables and a descriptive survey design was used due to the large sample size of the study. A total of 384 card carrying members of APC, LP and PDP formed the sample of the study. Findings reveal that poverty, selfish political interests and lack of party ideology are responsible for the failure of the Act in promoting internal party democracy. Again, non-adherence to democratic party principles and judicial interpretations are challenges standing on the way of achieving internal party democracy in Plateau state, Nigeria. This implies that internal party democracy will continually be undermined if the key findings of this study are not addressed. The study recommended the review of the Act; making adequate provisions, part-time legislation and two-party system. Moreover, independence of the judiciary and judicial review of judgments by an independent panel of judges will help promote internal party democracy in Plateau state and Nigeria at large.
CHALLENGES OF HEALTH CARE PROVISIONING FOR INMATES IN NIGERIAN CORRECTIONAL SERVICES: EVIDENCE FROM DOCUMENTARY SOURCES
Health care is an essential service required by inmates of penal-correctional custodial facilities, especially given the precarious conditions of imprisonment. This paper analyses the level of health care provisioning in correctional (custodial) centres in Nigeria and identifies challenges and prospects for enhancing health care service delivery for inmates. Data were obtained from secondary sources, especially official publications of the Nigerian Correctional Service and other international organisations that provide yearly reports on prison conditions. Findings indicated that health care services are below the standard prescribed by international instruments. Lack of priority and resources accounted for most of the inadequacies. Effective health care in correctional custodial centres requires adequate and qualified personnel with appropriate work ethics and adequate infrastructure as well as effective collaboration and referral framework between health care services within the custodial centres and the federal or state ministries of health.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN NIGERIA: AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF TECHNOLOGY USE AND VOTER TRUST IN PANKSIN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF PLATEAU STATE
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming political processes globally, including election administration and voter engagement. This study empirically examines the impact of AI technology on voter trust in Nigeria, with a focus on electronic voting systems, biometric verification, and social media information dissemination. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 400 registered voters across ten (10) electoral wards (Wokkos, Pankshin Central, Wuchembe, Mukang Nyelleng, Wusali, Fier, Kadung, Kangshu, Belning and Kasgong Ward) in Pankshin North through stratified random sampling. Analysis involved descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation) and inferential statistics (regression analysis, correlation) at a 0.05 significance level. Findings reveal that effective AI deployment enhances transparency, reduces fraud, and positively influences voter confidence, but challenges such as digital illiteracy, misinformation, and infrastructural deficits undermine trust. The study concludes that AI has significant potential to improve electoral credibility in Nigeria. Recommendations include voter education, infrastructural investment, and regulatory oversight to maximize AI’s benefits.
Beyond E-Governance: Artificial Intelligence, Democratic Accountability, and the Governance Challenge in Nigeria
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly deployed across the Nigerian public administration system. However, dominant policy discourse continues to frame this deployment as an extension of e-governance which is considered a natural evolution of digital service delivery. This article challenges that framing by drawing on Schedler's (1999) two-dimensional conception of democratic accountability, answerability and enforcement. It argues that AI constitutes a qualitatively distinct governance challenge that existing e-governance frameworks are structurally ill-equipped to address. E-governance digitalised bureaucratic transactions whilst leaving decision-making authority with human officials. AI on the other hand reconfigures that authority, routing consequential public judgements through computational processes that existing oversight instruments cannot adequately reach. The empirical basis for this argument is original survey research involving 200 public servants and policy practitioners in Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory and Plateau State. Analysis reveals a statistically significant and practically meaningful gap between respondents' near-universal endorsement of responsible AI principles (aggregate mean = 4.46, SD = 0.39) and their assessment of actual accountability practices (aggregate mean = 4.00, SD = 0.63). The Wilcoxon signed-rank test confirms this divergence (Z = -9.23, p < .001, d = 0.77), whilst chi-square analysis identifies significant geographic variation between FCT and Plateau State respondents in practice perceptions (χ² = 18.37, df = 4, p < .01). These findings, interpreted through democratic accountability theory, suggest that Nigeria requires a new institutional architecture to govern AI responsibly) not merely a digitisation upgrade. The paper concludes with recommendations for regulatory, legislative, and administrative reform.
ANALYSIS OF CRIMINAL INVOLVEMENT OF CONVICTED WOMEN BETWEEN 2015-2025 IN SELECTED STATES OF NORTH WEST NIGERIA.
This study analyzes the criminal involvement of convicted women in selected states of North West Nigeria between 2015 and 2025. Against a backdrop of rising female incarceration amid regional insecurity and socio-economic challenges, the research investigated the profile of offenders, the types of crimes committed, and the nature of their criminal collaboration. Guided by Marxist Feminist and Women’s Liberation theories, the study employed a mixed-methods design, administering surveys to 108 convicted women across correctional facilities in Kaduna, Kano, and Katsina States, and conducting key informant interviews with 16 judicial and correctional officials. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 23, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Findings reveal that convicted women are predominantly young (55.6% aged 18–35), married (54.6%), with secondary education (37.0%), and are largely economically vulnerable (58.3% earning below ₦30,000 monthly). They are involved in a spectrum of serious crimes, categorized as Violent Crimes (34.2%), notably culpable homicide (29.6%); Organized Crimes (32.5%) such as child stealing (13.0%) and transporting arms/ammunition (9.3%); Financial Crimes (15.0%); and Drug-Related Crimes (13.3%). Crime types show state specificities: violent crimes, especially homicide, dominate in Kano; organized crimes like child stealing are concentrated in Kaduna; and drug-related offenses are most prevalent in Katsina. While 65.7% of survey respondents claimed to have acted alone, qualitative evidence from officials indicates that women’s criminal activities frequently involve accomplices, primarily friends/co-workers (45.9%) and family members (27.0%), operating within hidden networks. The study concludes that women’s criminal involvement in the region is a localized, structured phenomenon, increasingly shifting from petty, individual acts to more organized and serious offenses. It recommends targeted interventions, including adult education and literacy campaigns, counter-recruitment programs in vulnerable communities, and the integration of ethics training into educational curricula to address the root causes and evolving patterns of women’s involvement in crime.
DUAL DIPLOMACY AND THE NIGERIA-ISRAEL RELATIONS, 1967-1970.
This article examines Israel’s involvement in the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970) through the perspective of a dual-track foreign policy, characterised by covert support for the secessionist Republic of Biafra along with the maintenance of formal diplomatic relations with the Nigerian Federal Government. Drawing on diplomatic histories, and existing scholarship, the study adopts a qualitative historical approach to analyse the motivations for and consequences of Israel’s actions. It contends that Israel’s policy was shaped by the interaction of humanitarian impulses, domestic political pressures, strategic considerations linked to its wide-ranging effort to counter Arab influence in Africa. The article establishes that its role differed from those of major powers such as Britain, France, and the Soviet Union, which pursued more overt and consistent alignments. Instead, Israel functioned within a space of ambiguity, merging covert military and humanitarian support for Biafra with continued engagement with Nigeria. The study shows that although this approach allowed Israel to exert influence during the conflict, it also contributed to prolonging the war, complicated humanitarian outcomes, and ultimately undermining diplomacy. The findings highlight the limitations of small-state diplomacy in conflict settings, and contributes to expansive debates on foreign intervention, sovereignty, and the role of non-great powers in international relations.
COMMUNICATION AND POST CONFLICT REINTEGRATION OF ETHNO-RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES IN JOS NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF PLATEAU STATE
This study investigated the role of communication in the post-conflict reintegration of ethno-religious communities in Jos North Local Government Area between 2015 and 2024. Using a descriptive survey research design, data were collected from questionnaires and Key Informant Interviewees to explore how communication shaped trust, reconciliation, and coexistence among formerly divided groups. The findings shows that communication significantly influenced reintegration, with dialogue forums, peace-oriented media programmes, religious messages, and interpersonal interactions enhancing understanding, reducing hostility, and promoting forgiveness between Christians and Muslims. The study also established that poorly managed communication such as media bias, misinformation, political manipulation, and unclear government messaging contributed to renewed mistrust and tensions. Structural challenges, including limited access to communication channels, inadequate funding for community media, illiteracy, and language barriers, were identified as major obstacles to effective peace communication. Therefore, the study concludes that communication has been more constructive than harmful and remains an indispensable pillar of post-conflict reintegration in Jos North. The study recommended that community dialogue forums should be institutionalized and conducted regularly, rather than only during crises, to sustain trust building, deepen understanding, and strengthen long-term peaceful coexistence.
Gender-Based Violence and Displacement: The Impact of Farmer-Herder Conflicts on Women's Safety in Benue State, Nigeria (2015-2025)
This study examines the intersection of farmer-herder conflicts, forced displacement, and gender-based violence (GBV) in Benue State, Nigeria, between 2015-2025. Through analysis of humanitarian reports, scholarly research, and field studies, we document how escalating violence has displaced over 3.5 million people, with women and girls constituting approximately 75% of the IDP population. In the precarious environment of internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, women face alarming rates of GBV, including sexual exploitation (33.2% prevalence), intimate partner violence (12.2%), and survival sex transactions. Contributing factors include overcrowding (e.g., 37,412 displaced households), inadequate sanitation, economic desperation, and systemic protection failures. A June 2025 attack that displaced 3,000 persons to the Ultra International Modern Market IDP Camp saw a child sexually assaulted within 24 hours of arrival, exemplifying acute vulnerabilities. This research recommends urgent structural interventions, including gender-sensitive camp design, economic empowerment programs, and judicial reforms, to address this humanitarian crisis.
PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES OF E-GOVERNANCE INITIATIVES IN NIGERIA’S PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION.
The relative scarcity of scholarly attention directed towards other digital initiatives has underscored the importance of examining the objectives, prospects and challenges associated with e-passport, National Identification Number (NIN), and electronic civil registration and vital statistics (e-CRVS) digital solutions within Nigeria's public administration landscape. In the course of the analysis, the study utilised the frameworks of New Public Management (NPM) and Technology-Organisation-Environment (TOE). A case study method was used to explore the opportunities and difficulties associated with the mentioned digital smart solutions, relying primarily on secondary data from government publications and peer-reviewed articles before the data underwent thematic analysis. The study revealed that the considered digital technologies had the potential of improving security, providing unique identity for all citizens, generating revenue for government, assisting government in national planning and reducing corruption by overcoming the issues of weak digital infrastructure, inadequate human capacity, extortion and poor data collection tools by vital statisticians. Consequently, the paper recommended Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) in providing robust digital infrastructure for internet penetration, inclusivity and cyber security; awareness campaign on the relevance of capturing vital statistics by government organisations such as the Ministry of Information and Orientation and National Orientation Agency (NOA); improved data collection techniques and methods of vital statisticians and report of corrupt officials/agents to the appropriate authority to adequate sanction. This research holds considerable importance for policymakers, offering insights into the necessity of a robust regulatory framework for e-governance programs in Nigeria, among other things.
Governance, Corruption, and Public Service in Nigeria
This paper essentially interrogates the role of corruption in the governance crisis currently plaguing Nigeria and which has led to a near collapse of public service in the country. The paper argues that the persistence of corruption in government in Nigeria is in large part traceable to public officials as they respond to the pressures on them in the course of rendering public service, which makes them dip their hands into the public coffers and divert public resources meant for the provision of public gods and services into their private pockets. The work is guided by the political economy theoretical framework, which explains that there is an inevitable vicious cycle of relationships between corruption and governance that produces the failure of public service as outcome. Using the qualitative research method based on the historical-institutional analysis of data obtained from documentary sources, which helps trace public service corruption through the different governmental regimes in Nigeria. This paper finds that there is a cyclical relationship between governance, corruption and public service in Nigeria whereby each variable affects and is affected by the other variables. Corruption undermines governance and public service efficiency in the country. The work recommends the enhancement of good governance outcomes in the country and the reduction of incentives for corruption among public officials, while cases of corruption will be severely punished and the proceeds of corruption recovered.
Autonomy, Unions, and Governance: The Nigerian University Experience
This article provides a critical analysis of university governance in Nigeria, examining the persistent tension between institutional autonomy, the advocacy of academic staff unions, and systemic political and economic pressures. Using a qualitative research design, this study draws on document and historical institutional analysis of formal agreements, university statutes, and policy documents to investigate this complex dynamic. The analysis is framed by a hybrid theoretical model integrating Stakeholder Theory and Principal-Agent Theory. It argues that the recurrent crises in Nigeria's university system stem from a fundamental misalignment of interests between the government (the principal), university administrations (the agents), and academic unions (key stakeholders). The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) emerges not merely as a trade union but as a significant force that has reshaped governance through collective bargaining, influencing the composition of governing councils, democratising leadership appointments, and establishing oversight committees. However, these gains are consistently undermined by challenges such as chronic underfunding, political interference, corruption, and brain drain, which disrupt the academic environment and fuel industrial unrest. The study finds that while staff unions use strikes to hold the government accountable, this adversarial approach perpetuates instability. The paper concludes by recommending an integrated governance model that enforces collective bargaining agreements, respects university autonomy, promotes democratic leadership, and reframes unions as collaborative partners rather than adversaries. By viewing the governance dilemma through this dual theoretical lens, the paper offers new insights for policymakers and contributes to the limited literature on the intersection of unionism and university governance in developing nations.
AN ANALYTICAL EXPLORATION OF ORGANISATIONAL CONDUCT, CRISIS COMMUNICATION, AND PUBLIC PERCEPTION IN PUBLIC RELATIONS.
In today’s interconnected communication environment, organisations are increasingly assessed not only by their actions but also by their conduct and communication during periods of crisis. This study examines the interplay among organisational behaviour, crisis communication, and public perception within public relations practice. Grounded in Situational Crisis Communication Theory (SCCT) and Reputation Management Theory, the research adopts a qualitative desk research approach, drawing on relevant literature from both global and Nigerian contexts. The findings reveal that ethical and consistent organisational behaviour plays a central role in shaping stakeholder trust and significantly influences how crisis communication is received. Effective crisis communication strategies, particularly those that are timely, transparent, and empathetic, are crucial in shaping public perception during crises. However, the effectiveness of these strategies is strongly shaped by an organisation’s prior conduct. The study concludes that public perception is collectively constructed through the alignment between organisational behaviour and communication practices. It therefore highlights the importance of integrating ethical conduct with strategic communication to sustain organisational reputation and strengthen stakeholder relationships.
An Evaluation of Personality Factor in Nigeria’s Foreign Policy Implementation (1999 – 2025)
This paper critically examines how individual personality traits of key political leaders, specifically successive presidents and diplomats, have influenced Nigeria's foreign policy implementation from 1999 to 2025. Through qualitative analysis of political behaviour, policy decisions, and international engagement, the paper highlights the significant role of leadership psychology of various presidents and their administrations in shaping the nation’s diplomatic posture. Using a multidisciplinary approach that blends political science, psychology, and international relations, the study evaluates the personal inclinations of Nigeria's presidents and foreign policy actors to provide a nuanced understanding of personality as a determinant of state behaviour. Through qualitative case studies of five administrations—Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan, Muhammadu Buhari, and post-2023 leadership under Bola Ahmed Tinubu—the study identifies recurring patterns of personality-driven diplomacy, highlighting traits such as assertiveness, introversion, risk tolerance, and power motivation. Findings reveal that foreign policy under these successive administrations was not consistently institutionalized but often reflected and still reflects the individual president's worldview, rhetorical style, and psychological disposition. This personalization contributed to strategic shifts, inconsistent regional engagement, and fluctuating global alliances. The research underscores the need for stronger institutional mechanisms to moderate executive influence and ensure continuity in Nigeria’s diplomatic posture. Ultimately, the paper contributes to a growing body of literature advocating for the integration of psychological variables into foreign policy analysis within African presidential systems.
AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND NATIONAL SECURITY IN NIGERIA.
The clash over grazing lands and water could become worse as the effects of climate change becomes more drastic; with direct implications not just internally, even for the region and wider globe. Equally, the adverse change in climate has also displaced lots of persons and seen to the loss of lives and lands to deadly sweeping floods across the country. Recent years have seen a growing trend of annual disastrous floods that have, and continue to destroying properties, while registering a high rate of casualties in almost all the states (regions) in Nigeria; an incident that has equally affected agriculture and food supply. Climate change has emerged as one of the most significant non-traditional security threats confronting Nigeria in the twenty-first century. The intensification of desertification in northern Nigeria, recurrent flooding in southern regions, and the dramatic shrinkage of Lake Chad have disrupted livelihoods, displaced populations, and heightened competition over scarce resources. These environmental problems intersect with weak governance structures, socio-economic inequalities, and identity politics to generate violent conflicts, particularly farmer–herder clashes and insurgency in the Northeast. It is becoming increasingly clear that a good number of other security challenges in Nigeria are connected, in very many ways to the effects of climate change as the country’s food production, infrastructure, arable lands, crime rates, transportation network, natural and human resources are susceptible to the adverse changes in the environment. Indeed, the adverse climate change in Nigeria is a crucial security concern worth addressing as it destabilizes state and human security both directly and indirectly. These emerging security problems and threats to Nigeria’s national security bring to mind the Paradox of growing, sleeping or undermined threats to public safety, and an urgent need to neutralize as well as build adaptive mechanisms against them while reforming Nigeria’s outdated and narrow-set security structure. Based on this reality, this study seeks to examine the phenomenon of climate change as an emerging and potentially serious security threat in Nigeria. Using Resource Conflict Theory as its analytical framework, this paper examines the relationship between climate change and national security in Nigeria. Drawing on secondary data and empirical studies, the study finds that climate change functions as a “threat multiplier,” worsening existing vulnerabilities rather than acting as a direct cause of conflict. Key findings reveal that (1) environmental degradation intensifies resource scarcity; (2) scarcity fuels communal violence and migration; (3) climate stress contributes indirectly to insurgent recruitment and internal displacement; and (4) climate-induced disasters strain state capacity and undermine economic stability. The paper argues that Nigeria’s traditional state-centric conception of national security is insufficient to address climate-induced threats. It recommends the integration of climate security into national defense planning, strengthened environmental governance, climate-resilient agriculture, and enhanced regional cooperation.
Political Culture and Democracy in Nigeria
This paper understudies the importance of political culture and its effects on democracy in Nigeria. The study was achieved by examining the core issues surrounding democracy in Nigeria, such as ethno-religious gimmicks, patrimonialism, and godfatherism, which hindered the realization of core democratic values like liberty, justice, and equality. The qualitative research design is adopted for this study, leveraging secondary sources of data generated from academic Journal articles, periodicals and media accounts. Content and thematic analysis is adopted for effective analysis of this qualitative data. All these were considered based on the objective of the study, which seeks to evaluate the nature and effects of the Nigerian political culture on its democracy. It also aims at establishing the role of political culture in strengthening democracy in Nigeria. The findings of this study revealed that the political culture in Nigeria is characterized by interests, such as tribalism; ethnicity and religiosity, while the democratic process is marred by persistent challenges which include: unlawful use of security personnel by politicians; electoral officials often use their positions to serve personal or political interest. The finding also reveals that corruption; lack of accountability, injustice prevalent during electoral tribunals and poor coordination, together with fragmentation erodes public trust, discourages political participation and support for the implementation of reforms. Based on the results obtained this paper makes recommendations for policy makers, practitioners and the academia.
Nigeria’s Leadership Deficit As Nation’s Albatross
Nigeria leadership prospects on the continent have come under scrutiny over leadership deficit at both the national and sub-national levels. While this leadership deficit continues to be a setback, this leadership deficit is now the greatest hindrance to the development of the country. The methodology of this paper is analytical, with case studies drawn from successive political office holders who appear unprepared for the office they occupy. This is done to spotlight the leadership deficit that the country faces with a view to finding lasting solutions to the issue. Findings revealed that the leadership deficit that the country faces today is chiefly attributable stems from the faulty leadership recruitment process in the country. The rushed transition in 1960 and 1999 ensured that persons who emerged at the national and sub-national levels for both executive and legislative positions were largely unprepared for the challenge of office, nor had the requisite knowledge and skills required to steer the ship of nationhood. The paper concludes that leadership is the greatest albatross that the nation is confronted with today, taking a toll on governance and development. This paper recommends the discontinuation of the current model of recruiting leaders. It also recommends the establishment of new institutes and as well as expansion of the scope of the existing to train prospective leaders in the art and skills of leadership in order to turn around the fortunes of the country.
Impact of Bureaucratic Corruption on Public Procurement Processes in the FCTA, Abuja
Bureaucratic Corruption constitutes most of the activities of public officials saddled with the responsibility of implementing government policies and programs as they tend to compromise their position and the trust accorded them by indulging in selfish activities as kickbacks, fraud, and bribery, all in the verge of making extra income, which tends to frustrate the provision of essential services. Some of these unwholesome practices of public officials are sometimes influenced by politicians and business partners. The means of acquiring such essential services are mostly done through public procurement process, which is intended to ensure transparency, accountability, and value for money. The objective of the research study is to examine the impact of bureaucratic corruption on public procurement Processes in the FCTA. The study adopted both qualitative and quantitative research methods in the data collection, which were analyzed using simple percentages and frequency tables. The theory that was suitable for the research study is the Parent-Agent theory. The research discovered that the opaque process and the weak institutional framework had created a window for procurement officers and contractors to collide in manipulating the bid process to favour preferred contractors. The findings, however, recommended the full adoption of E-Procurement to ensure the digitalization of procurement activities for easy monitoring and also to improve the oversight functions of the investigative bodies in the areas of enforcement of public procurement laws.
Gender Parity and Gender Legislation in Nigeria: An Assessment of Descriptive Representation in the Kwara State Legislature
Parliament across the world no doubt remained the cornerstone of all modern democracies. It is an avenue for all elected representatives to convene and deliberate on critical governance issues affecting their constituents. However, the composition of who makes up the assembly has called for concern. The primary objective of this study is to assess the extent to which women’s representation in the Kwara State House of Assembly during the 8th and 9th Assemblies impacted the promotion of gender-related legislation. The study adopted primary and secondary methods while the research design is qualitative. Primary data were obtained from interviews while legislative records, journals, textbooks, articles and surfing of the internet constitute the secondary data source. The total population for the study was 130 purposively sampled respondents. The research findings revealed that there is a strong nexus between female lawmakers and formulation of gender sensitive laws. It also observed that female potentials are not fully tapped as it obtained some other climes owing to some beliefs and practices held by electorates. The study concludes that female representation is essential for sustaining gender legislative priorities. In lieu of this, the research recommends the promotion of women’s political participation through adoption of non-elective seats for female lawmakers, vigorous sensitization to address various forms of myths and misconceptions, capacity building, and institutionalization of gender mainstreaming within legislative processes. The findings reinforce existing theoretical claims that women’s presence in political institutions is pivotal to achieving substantive gender equality in policy making.