ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT OF ETHNO-RELIGIOUS CRISES IN NIGERIA: A STRATEGIC MODEL

Abstract

The The disturbing economic, political and social consequences of ethno-religious crises and conflicts in Nigeria are major concerns of all stakeholders in the Nigerian development process. We observe that the democratisation efforts in Nigeria appear to have failed woefully as a result of ethno-religious crises. The paper focused on the critical issues revolving around ethno-religious crises in Nigeria, ranging from the origin to management strategies. The aim was to make valuable contribution to effective management of the ethno-religious crises. methodology is purely analytical, with literature review as the major source of information on the origin, causes, and existing management strategies of the ethno-religious crises. Analysis of the relevant information revealed the following, among others: first, is the existence of multiple ethnic and religious groups in Nigeria that are difficult to manage; second is the existence of political, social and economic hardships that often lead to alliances among ethnic and religious groups; third is the difficulty in the democratisation of the Nigerian society due to ethno-religious crises, and finally, lack of effective strategies for management of the ethno-religious crises. Based on these findings, the paper recommended the use of a crisis management model, developed by Smith and Spipika (1993), complemented by the following: (i) adoption of a political culture, coupled with adequate provisions for all ethnic groups, religious groups, and general interest of the Nigerian citizenry; (ii) elimination of existing economic, social and political policies that are capable of reinforcing ethnic and religious differences; (iii) confrontation of the realities of ethnic minorities in Nigeria; (iv) ensuring that political, social, and economic development strategies form the integral parts of the approaches to conflict prevention, management, and peace-building efforts; (v) encouraging inclusiveness in the act of nation building; and, (vi) identification of potential sources of ethnic-religious conflicts through rigorous individual and institutional research.