SOCIO-POLITICAL NEOPHOBIA: THE BANE OF ADVANCEMENT IN NIGERIA AS A NATION
Neophobia, which can be defined as a fear of or aversion for new or unusual things, has emerged as a significant barrier to the social and political development of Nigeria. This study investigates the paralyzing impact that neophobia has on the political landscape of Nigeria, focusing on the ways in which it stifles creativity, hinders entrepreneurial endeavors, and fosters resistance to change. This study highlights, using examples from Nigeria's recent history, that neophobia is firmly established in the Nigerian mentality, making it difficult to address and overcome. The examples are drawn from contemporary Nige ria. In this piece of work, a qualitative examination of previously published research on neophobia and the impact it has had on Nigeria's sociopolitical landscape is utilized. The information utilized in this study came from a wide variety of secondary sources, including scholarly journals and books, books, and publications produced by the government, and online databases. We submit that Nigeria can begin to break free from the grips of neophobia and move toward a more progressive and affluent future by promoting education, encouraging critical thinking, and establishing a society that is more open-minded.
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