THE ECONOMICS OF PEACE IN NIGERIA: INTERSECTION OF STABILITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The study explores the interconnectedness of economics and peace in Nigeria, focusing on conflicts and its economic consequences. The research probed how conflict affects economic growth and how peace could catalyse economic development. The study gave an overview of Nigeria's historical conflicts, examined economic consequences of conflict, analysed economic factors and conflict, and assessed successful peace initiatives, and its economic benefits as well as the role of governance and institutions as its objectives. Resource curse theory was applied as the theoretical framework for the study. The study adopted a descriptive research design with qualitative approaches, and employed content analysis for the secondary data sources. The findings of the study are, strong correlation between poverty and conflict, resource allocation inequities, economic inclusion as a peace building tool as well as positive impact of education and improved role of youth in the peace processes. The insights derived from this research could lead to strategies that enhance social cohesion and community engagement, which are vital for long-term peace and stability.
Keywords: development, economic, economics, intersection, nigeria, peace, stability