Author(s) :

OMOREGIE, Edoghogho Ph.D, EHIGIATOR Goodness.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Shaping Nigeria's National Security the Role of Ethnic Diversity reflects Nigeria nature for its mosaic and vast ethnic diversity, with over 250 ethnic groups that faces persistent national security challenges, rooted in the complex interplay of ethnicity, nepotism, and identity politics. Ethnic diversity, while a source of cultural richness, has often been manipulated for political gain, leading to marginalization, resource-based conflicts, and weakened national cohesion. The prioritization of ethnic group identity over national citizenship has resulted in secessionist movements, increased crime rates, and recurring ethno-religious violence, thereby, undermining Nigeria’s stability and development. This resonates frequently in the forms of ethnic crises often experienced in the course of interactions and access to public goods. This study is grounded in secondary data from scholarly articles, policy reports, and qualitative analyses, investigates on how ethnic diversity shapes Nigeria’s security landscape. The research employs Group Theory, which explains how collective identities influence political behavior, and Securitization Theory, which examines how issues are framed as security threats by political actors, to analyze the dynamics at play. Part of the key findings includes, that, Ethnic Fragmentation is a strong factor militating against national security, emphasis on ethnic divisibility poses a major hindrance to national integration and by implication, affects national security and Weaken Institutions, this makes it easy for people to perpetuate crime and Conflicts thereby becoming a threat to national security. The paper recommends among others, the promotion of inclusive governance, urgent need to address inequality, strengthen institutions and the enhancement of sincere intergroup dialogue in the political system. Key words: National Security, National Integration, Ethnic Fragmentation and Inclusive Governance

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