Social (In)security and Internal Security Management in Nigeria

This chapter examines social (in)security and the challenges of internal security management in Nigeria. It highlights the fundamental principles and efforts governing the management of internal security, from the national ideology and the basic philosophy of security management. No doubt, Nigeria is confronted with daunting developmental challenges which pose serious threats to socio-economic development. Developmental challenges such as rural and urban poverty, high rate of unemployment, youth unrest, low industrial output, unstable and deteriorating exchange rate, high inflation rate, inadequate physical and social infrastructure and more recently the emergence of insurgency groups were discussed as major problems heightening the incessant insecurity dilemma. Nevertheless the chapter notes some of the relentless measures the Nigerian government has put in place to ameliorate the alarming level of insecurity in the country through programmes such as the establishment of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) and the National Economic, Employment and Development Strategy (NEEDS) saddled with the responsibility of reducing the problem of unemployment and confronting the various macroeconomic imbalances, social challenges and structural problems in the Nigerian economy. Other social security measures through the pension schemes and N-power programmes were attempts meant to cover employees against contingencies, which threatens their ability to earn and sustain a living. The chapter offers useful materials for the study of security management and the functions of social policy in attaining national security and the need to see security as an investment for national development.