The Impact of Terrorism on the Nigerian Economy
Chapter One
Objectives of the Study
The main objective of the study is to assess the impact of terrorism on the Nigerian economy, and the specific objectives are to:
- Analyze the Consequences of Terrorism in Nigeria
- Investigate the Socioeconomic Implications of Terrorism in Nigeria
- Examine possible solutions to terrorism in Nigeria
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
Conceptual Review
The Concept of Terrorism
“Terrorism is the use of violence or the threat of violence with the primary purpose of generating a psychological impact beyond the immediate victims or object of attack for a political motive” (Richards 2014: p.230). The concept of terrorism has defied a universally acceptable definition. Scholars have preferred one definition over another which reflects the diversity of the concept. The need for an acceptable definition of terrorism will free the concept from some challenges. A universally acceptable definition will help in facilitating international cooperation against terrorism. The lack of a universally acceptable definition has made the concept face constant abuse by state and non-state actors who define the concept to suit their political and strategic interests. Similarly, a consensus on the meaning of terrorism will help scholars and policy makers to come up with methods, approaches that will guide research in the field. (Richards, 2014)
A definition of terrorism should take into account some factors. Firstly, the role of the individual, groups and state in the act. Some definitions often connote the notionthat terrorism is the prerogative of non-state actors. Secondly, a definition of terrorism should take into account the nature and type of terrorist attacks. This is in view of the fact that terrorist attacks could be selective, random, suicidal, or armed attacks among others. Finally, a definition should highlight the motive behind such attacks.Three preliminary assumptions should underlie any attempt at defining terrorism. No act of violence can be judged as inherently terrorist; and terrorism is employed by a variety of actors and any definition that is perpetrator or cause without addressing the motive is incomplete; and lastly civilians and non combatants are not the only targets of terrorist. (Richards, 2014)
Terrorism is a term so ambiguous at both political and ontological levels. Politically, it is mostly used in derogatory terms and often to debase the enemy. Ontologically, terrorism connotes different entities; an act of violence, a group of people employing violence, a strategy in the conduct of violence. Terrorism enjoys this flexibility which is not applicable to other concepts such as war, riot and genocide. Furthermore, terrorism as an “ism” is an abstract concept that can be applied in several ways. The most conceptually dominant school defines terrorism as any violence against non combatants. (Sanchez-Cuenca, 2014)
Schmid (2004)in his seminal work framework for conceptualising terrorism situates terrorism within five climes. Terrorism as/and crime; politics; warfare; communication; religious fundamentalism. Terrorism as a crime is not only considered illegal but illegitimate. National and international laws strongly abhors terrorism and have made it a criminal act. Terrorism is not only criminal, but politically motivated and used as an instrument of political strategy. Terrorism also involves the use of warfare, which has been evident since ancient times. The connotation of terrorism as communication involves the use of propaganda in attempts to seek relevance and publicity. Terrorism as religious fundamentalism involves the use of religion to perpetrate violence. History is replete with religiously motivated terrorist attacks. (Schmid, 2004).
Terrorism as a word in its usage connotes evil, indiscriminate violence or brutality. To say someone has been terrorized is to imply that the actors or violence is not morally acceptable and contrary to basic ethical standards that ordinary and reasonable human being might hold. Terrorism is politically motivated and it is violent or threatens the use of violence. It aims to generate fear beyond the immediate target audience and to increase the power capability of the group undertaking it. (Lutz and Lutz, 2004)
The term terrorism should not be seen as an identifiable ideology or movement, but rather as a set of method or strategies of combat. Terrorism makes it justifiable violence directed at non combatants with the aim of achieving an impact beyond the immediate target. (Bjorgo, 2005) Terrorism implies any threat, its conception and eventual application in the form of actual violence directed against the populace with the aim of creating any damage that disrupts the peaceful order in a society in an effort to bring about social change or to influence political decisions. (Brinkel and Aithida, 2012)
Terrorism is thus a practical response to a political problem that resorts to the use of violence instead of following normal democratic processes. Two types of terrorist can be distinguished from this definition, terrorist that operate in liberal societies and those who operate under repressive regimes. Terrorist may operate in liberal societies and pursue goals not shared by the majority of the community.On the other hand terrorist in repressive regimes may operate in circumstances the general community shared their views and believed the goals cannot be achieved through a democratic peaceful process. (Clapman, 2003)
The objectives which terrorist are seeking are quite different ranging from a change in government policies, a change in the leadership of a government and or a change in the whole structure of government. Other can have quite more complex objective such as changing a state boundary, to seeking an autonomous region, alignment with another state or an independent state of their own. One most important feature of terrorism is that it is both a technique and a tactic used by different groups. Terrorism asa technique is used as a means to an end. The objective is what differentiates between those who are willing to resort to violence from those who are not. (Lutz and Lutz, 2006)
A careful review of some of the definitions of terrorism reveals some levels of agreement among scholars about what the concept entails. Terrorism is a calculated use of violence and intimidation;it is directed at a large section of the public; it aims to intimidate or pressure a government or community to concede some demands. Terrorism for the purpose of this research is defined as the threat to use force to cause fear, coerce, or intimidate or the actual use of illegitimate force to commit violence for the purpose of achieving a particular goal – economic, political, social or religious.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research Design
This study will employ a quantitative research design to collect data on the analysis of the impact of terrorism on the Nigerian economy. The primary aim of this research design was to collect numerical data and analyze it using statistical methods to test the research objectives. According to Creswell (2014), quantitative research design is useful when the aim is to collect numerical data that can be analyzed statistically. By using a quantitative research design, the study was able to collect data from a large sample size, which increases the reliability and generalizability of the findings. Another benefit of using a quantitative research design for the study is that it allowed for the use of standardized data collection instruments. The self-administered questionnaire used in the study consisted of closed-ended questions, which facilitated the collection of standardized data that could be easily analyzed using statistical methods. According to Babbie (2016), the use of standardized instruments in quantitative research design increases the reliability and validity of the data collected. Therefore, the use of a quantitative research design in this study ensured the collection of standardized data, which increases the reliability of the findings.
Research Population
The target population of the study will consist of experts and individiuals in Nigeria. Burns and Grove (2019) claimed that targeted population as a collection of personalities which are eligible to participate in the enquiry. Population may also refer to an entire group of persons or elements that have at least one thing in common. Jiang (2017) agreed that, a population is any target group of individuals that has common characteristics that are of interest to the researcher.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
This chapter is targeted at analyzing the data collected adopting a simple percentage and frequency presentation. The presentation is done in a tabular form for clarity and easy understanding. To get the research data, 100 questionnaires were distributed.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
The study focused on examining the impact of terrorism on the Nigerian economy. The research problem highlighted the need to understand the consequences of terrorism and its effects on various aspects such as employment rates, social fabric, foreign direct investment, and tourism. The study aimed to achieve three research objectives: (1) analyze the consequences of terrorism in Nigeria, (2) investigate the socioeconomic implications of terrorism, and (3) explore possible solutions to terrorism in Nigeria. The significance of the study lies in its potential to provide valuable insights into the detrimental effects of terrorism on the Nigerian economy. Understanding these impacts can help policymakers and stakeholders develop effective strategies to mitigate the negative consequences and promote economic stability and growth. The scope of the study was limited to analyzing the impact of terrorism on the Nigerian economy. However, the findings can have broader implications for other countries facing similar challenges. The study utilized a mixed-methods research design, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative approaches to gather and analyze data. The empirical review analyzed past studies related to terrorism’s impact on the economy, social fabric, foreign direct investment, and tourism. The review provided a comprehensive understanding of the existing literature, identifying gaps and opportunities for further research.
Conclusion
the study on the impact of terrorism on the Nigerian economy has shed light on the significant consequences of terrorism on various aspects of the country. Through the empirical analysis and review of past studies, several key findings have emerged.
Firstly, it is evident that terrorism has had a profound and detrimental effect on the Nigerian economy. The findings reveal that it has resulted in decreased employment rates and job opportunities, compromised social welfare indicators, hindered foreign direct investment and business activities, and led to a decline in tourism and travel. Furthermore, the study highlights the socio-economic implications of terrorism in Nigeria. Socioeconomic inequalities have been exacerbated, income levels have been adversely affected, and social cohesion has been eroded, leading to increased social divisions within affected communities. The significance of the study lies in its contribution to the understanding of the multifaceted impact of terrorism on the Nigerian economy. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, security agencies, and other stakeholders involved in combating terrorism and promoting economic stability. By recognizing the severity of the problem and addressing its underlying causes, appropriate measures can be implemented to mitigate the negative effects of terrorism and foster sustainable development.
However, it is important to acknowledge the limitations of the study. The research was confined to a specific geographical context and relied on available data sources, which may have inherent limitations. Future studies should consider expanding the scope and incorporating a more comprehensive data collection approach to strengthen the findings.
Recommendations
Based on the findings of the study on the impact of terrorism on the Nigerian economy, several recommendations can be made:
Strengthen Counter-Terrorism Measures: Enhance intelligence gathering and sharing among security agencies to improve the effectiveness of counter-terrorism operations. This includes investing in advanced technologies, training security personnel, and promoting inter-agency cooperation.
Regional Cooperation: Foster increased collaboration and coordination among neighboring countries to address cross-border terrorism. Establish joint intelligence-sharing mechanisms, conduct joint operations, and share best practices to effectively combat terrorism that transcends national boundaries.
Socio-Economic Development: Address socioeconomic inequalities and provide economic opportunities in marginalized regions to alleviate the conditions conducive to radicalization and recruitment. Implement targeted development programs, such as job creation initiatives, skills training, and infrastructure development, to uplift communities affected by terrorism.
Community Engagement: Strengthen community engagement and dialogue as a means to counter extremist ideologies and prevent recruitment into terrorist groups. Promote initiatives that encourage open and constructive discussions, involve local communities in decision-making processes, and provide platforms for raising awareness and fostering social cohesion.
International Support: Seek assistance from international partners, organizations, and donors in combating terrorism. Collaborate with relevant international bodies to access technical expertise, funding, and capacity-building resources to enhance Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts.
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