BUSINESS: A PANACEA FOR PROMOTING POSITIVE SYNERGIES IN CONFLICT-AFFECTED AND FRAGILE REGIONS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Oftentimes, the concept of business and peace building are understood to be unrelated or even opposing to each other. Though, there is increasing evidence of their association suggesting that business interests among warring communities, zones, or region if harnessed will bring a lasting peace. Thus, this study aims at identifying how businesses - small and medium scale enterprises can be used as a tool for conflict resolution and promoting positive synergies among conflict-affected areas in Nigeria. Two research questions guided the study. The study adopted survey research design. The population was 200 registered small and medium scale businesses drawn from 6 states in the northeast part of the country namely: Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Taraba, Gombe and Bauchi. Questionnaire was used for data collection and the instrument was validated by three experts. The reliability of the instrument was ascertained using Cronbach Alpha reliability method. Data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation. The study found that business is a valuable and yet underutilized asset in peace-building. Based on the findings, the following recommendations were made: Government should provide an enabling environment by ensuring that there is political stability and security for business to strive. On the other hand, firms can foster peace by ensuring that part of their profit is invested directly into the communities in which they operate. The academic community should teach and equip individuals with the necessary skills and competence needed to become useful members of the society thereby promoting peace in their community and the society at large.