Covenant University Journal of Politics and International Affairs

ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons and Cross-Border Dimensions of Armed Banditry in Nigeria

2024-07-16T14:34:16+00:00

The dialectics that have led to explosion of free movement of persons within ECOWAS borders largely constitute a new dimension of security threats in the region. The security threats emanating from incessant human migration within the region have predictably distorted security architecture of Nigeria, thereby posing colossal pressures on the Nigerian armed forces, as well as leading to loss of human lives, properties and financial resources. The study investigated how ECOWAS protocol on free movement of persons and porous borders in West African region orchestrate armed banditry in Nigeria. The work was anchored on Qualitative-Descriptive method of analysis, and ‘inelastic political will’ was adopted as an analytical construct that explains the inability of ECOWAS member
governments as well as the Nigerian government to employ sustainable strategies in tackling the ever-changing security threat dimensions within the region. It was revealed that chaotic and explosive cross border migration of persons in West Africa has a
relationship with the new dimension of armed banditry in Nigeria. The study recommended that the ECOWAS framework that promotes free movement of people is to be reviewed and amended to address current security crises in the region. Also, there is need for the Nigerian government to reinforce a viable and strong diplomatic tie with the neighbouring countries such as Benin, Chat, Niger and Cameroon regarding border infrastructure development and security enhancement mechanisms to cover ungoverned spaces in the Chad Basin Region.

Examining Transnational Security Threats and Border Management: A Study of Cross-Border Crime Challenges at the Nigeria-Niger Border

2024-07-16T14:43:16+00:00

This study investigates the complex dynamics of transnational security threats and the corresponding border management strategies at the Nigeria-Niger border, with a focus on cross-border crime challenges. The overarching theoretical framework employed in this
research is the Theory of Transnationalism, which emphasizes the interconnectedness and interdependence of countries in the contemporary global context. The study draws on a rich body of secondary data from various sources, including academic publications, government reports, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations. These sources provide insights into the multifaceted nature of cross-border crimes such as human trafficking, drug smuggling, arms proliferation, and terrorism, which have the potential to destabilize both Nigeria and Niger and have far-reaching consequences for the broader West African region. The analysis of the data reveals the intricacies of cross-border criminal networks, highlighting the role of porous borders, economic disparities, and political instability in facilitating criminal activities. In conclusion, this research underscores the importance of a comprehensive understanding of transnational security threats and the vital role of effective border management in addressing them. The findings contribute to the broader discourse on border security in the context of transnationalism and offer valuable insights for policymakers, security agencies, and international organizations working to combat cross-border crime and enhance regional stability in West Africa.

Leadership, Governance and Socio-Economic and Political Development: The Case of Rwanda,2000-2020

2024-07-16T14:57:18+00:00

The importance of leadership and good governance in the development of any society cannot be overemphasized, and this is demonstrated in Rwanda under Paul Kagame. Anchoring the study on Contingency Theory and relying on secondary data –data from
journal articles, and textbooks, among others, it was revealed that Rwanda, before the eclipse of Kagame on the political space, had long been plagued by weak governance based on dictatorship, fear politics, segregation, and isolation of the people from their own
country's government. However, since Kagame became the country's president, serious progress has been made. The economy has advanced, with per-capita GDP (purchasing power parity) anticipated to reach $2,214 in 2020, up from $631 in 2000. The annual
increase averaged 7% per year between 2000 and 2020. Youth education is a top priority in Rwanda, where 17% of its yearly budget is allocated to education. Findings also show that Rwanda has the highest percentage of female representation in the government of any
country on the planet. In 2017, for example, 49 women were elected to the lower house of parliament, accounting for more than half of its 80 members, among other achievements. Despite these accomplishments, some political and social issues remain unresolved, like the crisis in neighbouring Congo and the government’s persistent support for armed rebels. At the same time, human rights violations and the persecution of opposition leaders continue. To address these issues, the government should do more to protect minority rights, end repression of the press and political opponents, and increase investment in education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Nigeria-United States Bilateral Trade Relations: An Evaluation of American Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA) 2010-2020

2024-07-16T15:05:07+00:00

The study's hypothesis was that, since the American African Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA) was passed in 2000, exports from Nigeria to the US have grown significantly despite the challenges associated with non-oil exports being granted entry due to stringent
requirements in the US. The major goal of this study was to determine whether the US programme known as AGOA has any bearing on the growth of Nigeria's non-oil exports and on facilitating the profits and benefits of trade for Nigeria. Historical and descriptive
methodologies were used to attain the study's objectives. Consequently, the information was gathered from secondary sources. The results of this study showed, among other things, that despite an increase in Nigerian exports to the United States due to the numerous builtin barriers in the AGOA agreement, the United States' efforts to integrate Nigeria into the global economy through the AGOA since 2000 have not really changed the trade pattern and structure. It was suggested, among other things, that the Trade Preference Act be mainstreamed into the national development plans in light of the aforementioned findings.

War against Corruption in Nigeria: Weak Institutions and Economic Crisis as Bane of Its Success

2024-07-16T15:15:59+00:00

Corruption has taken over the day to day discussion and deliberation on issues relating to national growth and development in Nigeria. It has become a virus eating into the bones and marrow of every sector and structure of national policy and policies. It is
crystal clear that if Nigeria fails to live above corruption and overcome it, it will not be long before corruption will end every hope of a golden age for the nation. The paper examines the dimensions of corruption in Nigeria, with major attention on enumerating the weakness of the nation’s political, social and economic institutions, including the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, as a bane militating against all efforts in winning against corruption. This breeds terrible corruption, and evil is an inimical and unimaginable threat to the survival of the nation's corporate existence. The paper explains the concept of corruption that acts as a forerunner of other social cankerworms. These are political and bureaucratic corruption. The implications of this cankerworm are also numerous: abject poverty, underdevelopment, unemployment, ethno-religious violence, secession, and terrorism as expressions of grievances. This is the object of this paper as the historical method becomes suitable for data collection, analysis and interpretation.

A Systematic Review of Commercialization of Public Enterprises in Global North and South

2024-07-16T15:25:22+00:00

Commercialisation is a deliberate government strategy that aims to increase economic development and efficiency by lowering government involvement and expanding the range of activities performed by the private sector through the transmission of government-owned assets to private ownership, and promoting the participation of private stratum in public activity. This study therefore aims to analyse the introduction of commercialisation in countries both in the global north and global south. This study also aims to unravel the merits and demerits of commercialisation as well as the factors that led to the success or failure of the
commercialisation process in the countries listed. The study engaged secondary data while it adopted the liberal theory and a descriptive survey research design. For this study, secondary data were collected from published works, academic journals, books, reports, and online materials. Findings revealed that following the ostensibly successful commercialisation programme in Britain, the commercialisation of public businesses has emerged as a key policy tool in countries both in global south and global north. This study
concludes generally, that the commercialisation policy itself is not a terrible notion, but that the issue is more with its implementation and the practical effects it has on the country's economic independence.

Locating Boko Haram in the Global War on Terror

2024-07-16T15:30:38+00:00

The September 11th attacks on the World Trade Centre and Pentagon in the United States in 2001 ushered the world into an era marked by increasing focus on terrorism and counterterrorism and introduced the world to the Global War on Terror (GWOT). The GWOT has significantly militarized the foreign policy of the United States and many other nations. In the decades that have followed the September 11 attacks, the GWOT has lost its discursive currency. However, its legacy is still very apparent, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, which had not previously experienced terrorism. Most notably, Boko Haram in Nigeria has risen to become one of the deadliest terrorist groups in the world. Guided by three questions, the article establishes the linkages between Boko Haram and the GWOT, explores Mary Kaldor’s New War thesis in relation to this relationship and explores the conditions that have sustained the legacy of the GWOT. Theoretical arguments on securitization theory, greed and grievance theory shape the discussion.