ECONOMIC DEPRIVATION AND ITS EFFECTS ON HUMAN SECURITY: THE NIGERIAN PERSPECTIVE

Résumé

Though various forms of crime which has given rise to insecurity are on the increase in the world today, the prevalence of crime among the poor and poor nations of the world is a pointer to the fact that a strong relationship exist between economic wellbeing and human security. This study investigates the dangers economic deprivation poses on human security. It is an attempt to investigate the claim that those who are in wants are not only exposed to threat but also constitute threats. Insecurity is a global issue as no nation can claim to be totally free from security challenges. Nigeria, though richly blessed economically, is unfortunately plagued with all sorts of security challenges ranging from terrorism, banditry, insurgency, militancy, cultism, kidnapping to armed robbery among other violent crimes. Many of these crimes are caused by economic hardship occasioned by socio-economic deprivation. This work, having thoroughly investigated the causes of economic deprivation in Nigeria, its consequences on human security has suggested ways of tackling economic deprivation. It is the conclusion of this work that, a better means of livelihood and a secured means of economic sustenance can enhance human security leading to a peaceful society. This position is premised on the assumption that human security is the gateway to all other forms of securities.