Potentials of Socioeconomic Rights Implementation in Mitigating Insecurity in Nigeria

Abstract

Nigeria’s Constitution proclaims the security and welfare of the people as the primary purpose of government. However, the acute conditions of insecurity and poverty afflicting the country hollow this proclamation. This analytical study employs a discursive research design to examine the potential of implementing socioeconomic rights in mitigating Nigeria’s security challenges. The study finds a correlation between the implementation of socioeconomic rights and the quest for security in Nigeria. It also finds that socioeconomic rights implementation is essential for the existence, legitimacy, and stability of the Nigerian state. Accordingly, the study offers suggestions on socioeconomic rights implementation strategies that Nigeria can adopt towards a more secure and prosperous state. The study concludes that implementing socioeconomic rights doubles as both the means and end of attaining both human and national security, and that so doing is as beneficial to the people as it is to the state.