UNEMPLOYMENT AND NATIONAL SECURITY IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT This study examines the impact of unemployment on national security in Nigeria covering the period from 2010-2022. The study made use of the following theories; Marxian theory of unemployment and the relative deprivation theory. Secondary data were sourced from various publications of the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), OECD/World Bank Statistical Publications, CBN Statistical Bulletin, Nigerian Bureau of Statistics and database of Transparency International on the following variables; Global Terrorism Index which is the dependent variable is used as a proxy for National security while unemployment rate, poverty rate, literacy rate, corruption perception index and inflation rate are the explanatory variables. Both descriptive and econometrical techniques such as Unit Root Test, descriptive statistics and ARDL methodology were employed. The Unit root test reveals a mixed order of integration amongst the variables, while the ARDL Bounds test indicated a long-run relationship among the variables. From the findings of this study, unemployment has a positive relationship with global terrorism index (proxy for national security) within the period under study. This implies that as Nigeria’s unemployment rate increases or changes the impact of terrorism also increases. It can be seen from the study that, increased rate of unemployment deteriorates national security; however, the effect of unemployment on national security is not as alarming as many authors postulated, as the effect was insignificant and negligible. The research can also be concluded that unemployment alone cannot fuel insecurity to the level of deteriorating the state of Nigeria’s national security. This research work therefore recommends that the government should make efforts to accelerate the pace of development in the context of creating an economy with relevant social, economic and institutional infrastructure for business operations and growth to provide gainful employment, high level of educational facilities, and medical care for the populace. Agricultural rejuvenation and access to financial aid should be prioritized by the Nigerian government as agricultural businesses in Nigeria have the potential to absorb a large number of youths, similar to how agriculture and agro-business have helped to reduce unemployment and poverty in the Western world if well implemented. Finally, good governance should be practiced, as it is the panacea of the security challenges bedeviling Nigeria.