Insecurity, unemployment and the rest of us

AMIDST the recent strike by resident doctors, a mass exodus of Nigerian medical doctors and physicians to Saudi Arabia almost happened. The doctors were apparently seeking for a greener pasture. Many of them have lamented the poor working conditions in the country. However, if truth be told, there are countless medical personnel in Nigeria who are yet to secure jobs.

In our dear country, unemployment is a ticking bomb. Worse still, Nigerians have been battling with various crimes which are undermining its security and making it difficult for nation-building to take place.

Daily, we are besieged with news about activities of Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgency in the North-East, armed banditry and kidnapping in the North-West, farmers-herders conflicts in the North-Central, militancy in the Niger Delta region and secessionists’ agenda across both south-eastern and south-western regions of the country.

However, when critically examined, these insecurity challenges mostly arise due to lack of corporate social security among the citizens, and unless proactive measures are outlined and implemented, these problems will continue to haunt the spirit of the nation for many years to come.

It is clear that the state of insecurity in Nigeria is largely a function of government’s failure and lackadaisical attitude towards the poor masses. This is showcased by the inability of government to deliver public services and to provide basic needs for the masses, notably shelter, food and clothing.

The paucity of basic needs by the people of Nigeria has created a pool of frustrated people who are ignited easily by any event to be violent. The argument here is that Nigeria has the resources to provide for the needs of her people but corruption in public offices at all levels has made it impossible for office holders to focus on the provision of basic amenities for the people.

Nigeria earns a great deal of revenue through oil sales but fails to use these earnings to meet the needs of its people and to develop infrastructure as well as the economy.  Therefore, strengthening the security system with all sincerity and doggedness that it deserves is very crucial to making Nigeria habitable for every citizen and to achieve national development. The government should implement policies that are in favour of the Nigerian masses.

Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi, Kano State.

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