AN EVALUATION OF THE IMPLICATIONS OF CROSS BOARDER INSECURITY ISSUES ON NIGERIAN ECONOMY

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Nigeria now faces a serious issue in the form of cross-border insecurity, which has serious effects on the country's economy. In a larger sense, cross-border insecurity is a problem that many places throughout the world face, not only Nigeria. Gaining knowledge of Nigeria's unique obstacles and solutions can help with the worldwide battle against transnational threats and their effects on the economy. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and other regional organizations are essential in promoting collaboration and creating all-encompassing plans to address these problems.

In Nigeria, armed banditry, human trafficking, smuggling, and terrorism are the main causes of cross-border insecurity. Nigeria borders numerous nations, including Niger, Chad, Cameroon, and Benin; these nations all add to the difficulty of maintaining security. These borders' porousness makes it easier for terrorist organizations like Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) to infiltrate and move illegal products (Ewi & Salifu, 2017). Furthermore, the issue is made worse by economic inequality, political unrest in nearby nations, and shoddy border security measures. (Onuoha, 2013).

Because of Nigeria's strategic location and porous borders, cross-border insecurity issues have become a major worry in West Africa. The growth of criminal networks, terrorist groups, and armed groups in the area has resulted in an increase in cross-border insecurity problems, including terrorism, drug and weapon trafficking, and illegal arms trafficking. These problems with cross-border insecurity have had a serious negative influence on Nigeria's economy, with important ramifications for investment, economic growth, and human welfare (Egwuonwu, & Ikejiaku, 2021). The boundaries of the nation are increasingly open to unlawful activity, jeopardizing both economic stability and national security.

In general, the borders of the majority of African nations were a result of colonial rule within those nations. These boundaries were primarily established in difficult circumstances, which led to significant miscommunication amongst the surrounding nations. It's also crucial to understand that the imperialists deliberately carried out these constructs in order to achieve a number of goals, such as allowing unrestricted access to their colonies, continuing to exploit them, and returning to provide aid. Furthermore, during the Berlin Conference in 1885, these boundaries were drawn on the papers without physically visiting those nations, with the intention of bolstering the economies of the second-world countries. However, Nigeria has experienced such challenges without exception (Gashaw, 2017)

The most difficult aspect of the current state of affairs in the nation is still border difficulties, despite several considerations from various governments and administrations. Furthermore, the northern borders were so porous that the spread of weaponry and the issue of food security are clearly visible, posing a challenge to security and economic well-being (Ogunleye, 2023). which in turn affects the nation's development. Effective policies and initiatives must take into account the effects of cross-border insecurity on the Nigerian economy. To tackle these obstacles, a comprehensive strategy is needed, involving bolstering border security, improving collaboration within the area, and cultivating economic resilience. This fact led to the focus of this study article on the qualitative technique in the areas of economy and security as the main contributors to the threats and the countermeasures.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

In Nigeria, cross-border insecurity has grown to be a major and enduring problem that seriously hinders the country's economic progress. Because of the instability surrounding its borders, Nigeria's economy, which is highly dependent on commerce, agriculture, and foreign investments, confronts a variety of difficulties. The primary causes of the issues are the escalating activity of insurgency organizations, smuggling, human trafficking, and the illegal arms trade. The porous boundaries between Nigeria and its neighboring nations, such as Niger, Chad, Cameroon, and Benin, exacerbate these problems even further. Attacks on borders and trade routes on a regular basis discourage international and domestic investors, which lowers the likelihood of economic growth. The volatility also impairs the movement of products and services, raising transaction costs and lowering Nigerian companies' competitiveness in both regional and global markets. (Adeniyi, 2019),

Beyond short-term financial losses, cross-border insecurity has wider socioeconomic ramifications. Poverty, inequality, and societal disintegration are all made worse by the instability. Additionally, it strains public coffers, since more money spent on security takes money away from vital social services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure development (Okoli & Iortyer, 2014). One important area of the Nigerian economy that has been badly impacted by cross-border insecurity is agriculture. Farmers' livelihoods are lost and agricultural output is decreased as a result of the violence and instability in border regions. Food insecurity is exacerbated by this circumstance, which also makes rural people more vulnerable (FAO, 2019).

Issues with cross-border insecurity have a big impact on Nigeria's economy. It is imperative to address these problems if the nation is to see economic development and progress. As such, in order to understand the implications of cross-border insecurity issues on the Nigerian economy, this research work aims to contribute to pertinent literature in this area and provide reasonable studies into the effect that porosity has had on the country's economy. It also examines the effects on trade, investment, economic development, human capital, and military spending.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

This study's primary goal is to assess cross-border insecurity's effects on Nigeria's economy critically. But in order to do so, the study aims to:

Assess how cross-border insecurity affects Nigeria's development and economic growth.

Recognize how Nigeria's economic and investment ties with its neighbors are impacted by cross-border insecurity. 

Examine how cross-border insecurity affects human migration, paying special attention to the increase in internally displaced people and refugees (IDPs). 

Access critically how well the methods and policies of the Nigerian government have worked to combat cross-border insecurity. 

1.4 Research Questions

How does cross-border insecurity affect Nigeria's economic development and growth?

How does Nigeria's commercial and investment ties with its neighbors suffer from cross-border insecurity? 

With an emphasis on the flood of refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs), what effects does cross-border insecurity have on human displacement? 

How well are the plans and policies of the Nigerian government tackling cross-border insecurity? 

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study aims to present the possible advantages of funding efficient border security measures and regional collaboration by calculating the economic costs and losses brought on by cross-border instability. This research will show how crucial regional collaboration is for resolving problems with cross-border insecurity, advancing economic integration, and stimulating economic expansion. The report can be utilized by civil society organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to support impacted communities and push for improved security measures, thereby amplifying their efficacy and influence.

The research adds to our understanding of the connection between economic progress and security. It offers a foundation for additional study and scholarly investigation into associated problems. The results can be used to improve upon current theoretical frameworks or create new ones that better address the issue of cross-border instability and its effects on the economy. The report provides useful insights into the dangers and difficulties presented by cross-border insecurity for companies doing business in Nigeria, especially those in the impacted areas. This can help with operational modifications and risk management plans.

This study will offer a careful assessment of cross boarder insecurity issues, and its effects on the development of Nigeria’s economy. In this wise, the study presents an espoused view on economic ties and investment between Nigeria and her neighbors and how this has been impacted by cross boarder insecurity issues. The study will go further to explain based on careful examination, the effects cross boarder insecurity issues has had on migration of persons and increased presence of Internally Displaces Persons and refugees. Finally, this research work will be prominent for it careful assessment of strides and policies by the Nigerian government and effective the efforts has been in combating cross boarder insecurity.

1.6 Scope of the Study

This research does not have a defined chronology by which this study is confined to as such,, Nigeria is the main subject of the study, with emphasis on the border areas that it shares with Niger, Chad, Cameroon, and Benin. In addition, the impact and interactions with neighboring nations are taken into account, acknowledging that cross-border insecurity is a transnational issue that calls for a regional perspective.

The study will look at how cross-border insecurity affects Nigeria's major economic sectors, such as manufacturing, services, agriculture, official and informal commerce, and foreign and local investment, human trafficking, illegal trade (oil theft, illegal mining), terrorism (Boko Haram, ISWAP), banditry and abduction, smuggling (weapons, drugs, and arms).

1.7 Limitations of the Study

During the process of assembling this study project, numerous obstacles were encountered that could cause delays. A few of these difficulties were the researcher's reliance on publicly available data, which could be erroneous, incomplete, or untrustworthy, especially in places with restricted access or security issues. Additionally, because the study has no set time frame, it was challenging to streamline because there was a lot of material to cover.

The difficulty the researcher faced in gaining access to confidential or classified data about security-related matters could have an effect on the findings' veracity. Ultimately, the researcher could not endure the financial demands of meeting sites and obtaining information materials, making the cost mobilization intolerable.

1.8 Research Methodology

This study assesses the effects of cross-border insecurity issues on the Nigerian economy using a qualitative research methodology and a historical approach. Because of these constraints and the study's scope, the researcher largely examined primary and secondary sources from government archives and repositories to arrive at a statement..

1.9 Definition of Terms

Insecurity: Being unstable, feeling apprehensive and uneasy, or being exposed to danger are all considered states of insecurity. 

Cross-border insecurity pertains to a scenario wherein security risks or apprehensions surpass the boundaries of a certain territory or nation, impacting adjacent regions or nations.