RETHINKING A CULTURAL POLICY FOR NATIONAL SECURITY IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Nigeria is in pressing need of a cultural policy that could promote cultural values. The challenge of cultural erosion has affected the capacity of the country to ensure the security and welfare of the people for the sustainable development of the country. This article, therefore, examines the cultural dimensions of the country’s national security problem. In addition to deploying qualitative research methodology, the researchers adopt a theoretical exploration of secondary sources for the article. The paper x-rays some related literature that unveil many security challenges that have to do with conflicts in the way of life of the people, such as, the Muslim extremists of Marwa, Maitatsine, El-zakzaki and their liberal counterparts in Kano, Maiduguri, Zaria, Gombe, Yola and so on, at various times. Countless instances of ethno-religious conflicts have occurred between Christians and Muslims in Bauchi, Kano, Kafanchan, Zango-Kataf, Kaduna, and Nasarawa among other parts of Nigeria.  There have been sectarian conflicts in Nasarawa, Benue, some parts of South-East, South-West and South-South of Nigeria.  More recently, there has emerged some difficult insecurity problems characterised by political violence, Boko Haram terrorists, banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling, Fulani herdsmen attacks, militancy and so on. In addition to the above-mentioned plethora of insecurity, there are on daily occurrence instances of corruption and crimes such as suicide attacks, armed-robbery, oil theft, rape and so on. The article attempted a theoretical matrix of ‘culture of security’ and ‘security of culture’. The paper therefore recommends a cultural policy could promote cultural education, values, sensitivity, and unity, as well as commitment through participatory communication by nationalist individuals and their involvement in the nation-building efforts, necessary to avert imminent crisis in the country.