At a recent meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council in Abuja, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, addressed the complex relationship between natural resources and insecurity in Nigeria. In his welcome speech, he clarified that while the presence of natural resources like oil and minerals does not inherently cause insecurity, the greed and mismanagement associated with their exploitation contribute significantly to social strife and unrest. Akume emphasized that this issue is not unique to Nigeria, and challenged the notion that resource abundance alone creates insecurity. Instead, he urged a focus on how these resources are managed and how government actions impact the lives of citizens. He underscored that while Nigeria faces various challenges, many of which precede the country’s rich natural resource discoveries, robust agricultural practices had once been the backbone of its economy.
Akume elaborated on the government’s efforts to foster agricultural development as a means of addressing insecurity and improving livelihoods. For example, he highlighted the unveiling of the Sokoto-Badagry road, which is expected to open up two million hectares of land for agricultural use. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance infrastructure and stimulate economic growth, diverging from an overreliance on oil. The SGF pointed out the significance of investing in social programs and capabilities that enable better quality of life for Nigerian citizens. He articulated a vision for holistic development that combines infrastructure advancement, agricultural expansion, and social welfare initiatives to counterbalance the issues rising from resource exploitation.
The sentiments expressed by Akume were echoed by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria and Co-Chairman of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council. Okoh acknowledged that while Nigeria is endowed with natural wealth, those resources have often led to conflict rather than prosperity. He emphasized that the manner of resource exploitation—marked by greed and competition for control—has fomented divisions among ethnic and regional groups as well as internal community conflicts. Instead of uplifting the nation, these dynamics have perpetuated cycles of strife and insecurity. Okoh called for a shift towards accountability and a more robust justice system in Nigeria to counter corruption and ensure a fair allocation of resources.
In addition to highlighting the problem of resource mismanagement, Okoh pressed for greater oversight of criminal activities that destabilize the country. He urged all stakeholders to advocate for accountability within the governance framework and to ensure that there are consequences for those who engage in corruption and theft of national wealth. According to Okoh, combating such malfeasance is crucial, as it not only threatens peace and security but also undermines national development. To address these critical issues, he underscored the need for government vigilance in identifying and penalizing those who perpetuate criminal acts, regardless of their status or influence.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, also spoke at the event, emphasizing the need for collective efforts toward peace and stability in Nigeria. He reminded participants of the importance of remaining hopeful in the face of challenges and encouraged continuous prayers for the nation’s leaders and citizens. The Sultan’s message brought a spiritual perspective to the discussions, reinforcing the notion that while material wealth is significant, it is transient and should be utilized for the betterment of others.
The overarching theme from the discussions at the council meeting underscored that the abundant natural resources in Nigeria hold the potential for remarkable national development but currently, they contribute to insecurity and conflict. The emphasis on the need for responsible governance, accountability, and social investment resonates with the call for a more just and equitable approach to resource management. While infrastructure development, especially in agriculture, offers a pathway to mitigate the struggles tied to natural resource exploitation, a systemic change in how the country addresses issues of accountability and justice is vital for fostering unity and sustainable progress.
