Governance Lapses and Political Exclusion Identified as Primary Conflict Drivers in Nigeria
Scholars and researchers affiliated with the African Peacebuilding and Developmental Dynamics (APDD) African University Seminar Series–Nigeria (AUSS-NG) have issued a stark warning, highlighting that governance failures, inequitable resource distribution, and political and economic exclusion remain critical factors fueling conflicts across Nigeria. They urge governments at all levels to address these deep-seated structural issues to achieve sustainable peace and security.
Call for Community-Based and Inclusive Governance Approaches
The scholars emphasized the adoption of community-based strategies and inclusive governance as essential measures to tackle Nigeria's persistent peace and security challenges. This call was part of resolutions from a four-day writing and publication workshop held at the University of Port Harcourt, Choba Campus, Rivers State. The event, organized by AUSS-NG with support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York, brought together alumni from the former African Peacebuilding Network (APN) and Next Generation Social Sciences in Africa programmes of the Social Science Research Council (SSRC).
In a communiqué released at the workshop's conclusion, participants stressed the necessity of developing strategic communication frameworks grounded in local realities to effectively counter radicalization and enhance peacebuilding efforts nationwide. They cautioned against over-reliance on government contracts as a peacebuilding tool, noting that while such interventions might temporarily reduce violence, they often fail to address underlying grievances and can inadvertently create parallel security structures.
The communiqué stated, "Government should prioritize feasibility studies and proper needs assessments before awarding contracts, as poorly designed interventions can entrench conflicts rather than resolve them."
Weak State Presence and Communication Gaps Exacerbate Conflicts
Participants further highlighted the dangers associated with weak state presence in conflict-prone areas, which contributes to resource-based conflicts, environmental degradation, and disruption of local livelihoods. They called on state actors to improve communication with citizens, warning that silence or lack of transparency often fuels distrust, fear, and misinformation, thereby worsening security situations.
The workshop explored diverse themes in peacebuilding and security, including:
- Counter-radicalization strategies
- Natural resource conflicts
- Reintegration of ex-combatants
- Gender and border security
- The role of non-political platforms in fostering unity
Notably, participants identified sports, particularly football, as a viable tool for promoting social cohesion, youth engagement, and reconciliation across ethnic and religious divides.
Emphasis on Quality Scholarship and Ethical Research Practices
In a keynote address, Dr. Akin Iwilade, a scholar from the University of Edinburgh, urged African researchers to prioritize quality scholarship driven by empirical data, interdisciplinary methods, and ethical standards, rather than focusing solely on publishing in high-impact journals. He advised scholars to situate their research within broader global debates to enhance relevance and impact.
Dr. Iwilade, a Nigerian-UK based Senior Lecturer, discussed fundamental errors that hinder good scholarship and publishing among Nigerian academics. He emphasized that good scholarship begins with collecting original empirical data, avoiding AI-generated or newspaper-based papers, using appropriate data collection tools, and refraining from outrageous interview research claims. He noted, "If your approach is wanting to publish in highly rated journals, you have already missed the point. The approach should be, how do I do good scholarship, and publishing in those supposedly highly rated journals is actually the end of good scholarship."
The workshop featured paper presentations by 16 alumni across parallel sessions, with participants receiving mentorship and practical guidance on academic writing, journal publication processes, and research visibility.
Support from Academic Leaders and Future Directions
In his opening remarks, Dr. Cyril Obi, Program Director of SSRC's APDD, highlighted the importance of establishing AUSS-NG last year, following over a century of SSRC's existence. He described it as a global organization committed to advancing knowledge through social science for the public good, promoting research, nurturing generations of social scientists, facilitating informed dialogue, and connecting evidence-based research to policy and practice.
Earlier, Prof. Qwunari Georgewill, Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, welcomed participants and commended the fellows and organizers for inspiring academics to write. He emphasized that writing holds immense power to inform, inspire, educate, and transform lives, urging participants to engage fully in the training and learn from experienced mentors.
The communiqué concluded by stressing the need for stronger collaboration among scholars, policymakers, and communities, as well as continuous refinement of research methodologies to meet international standards and effectively contribute to peacebuilding efforts in Nigeria and across Africa.
