Boom or Doom

While energies are channeled towards a peaceful and safer Nigeria, we also acknowledge and re-emphasize that economic growth and development is a strategy that can ensure the desired peace and stability. It is unarguable that relative economic prosperity cannot be achieved in the absence of security. Conversely, economic activities could be a driver of peace and stability.

Most insecurities nationwide are triggered by greed and grievance. Either people are forced into a life of crime due to their inordinate ambition to access resources through illegal means or they pick up arms to struggle for resources they perceive to have been denied of, as witnessed during the era of militancy in the Niger Delta. Whatever the reasons are, the fact is that resources can engender conflict situations. It becomes worse when such resources are not evenly distributed or is rapidly shrinking.

High rate of unemployment remains a causative factor for social vices and insecurities, which can culminate into violent conflicts. Nigeria has many untapped avenues for wealth and job creation that can propel the nation into economic boom and also reduce the numerous security challenges it is facing. Today, the Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele announced that the Nigerian Textile Industry can create 2 million jobs and save over $4bn if properly harnessed.

Growth in the textile industry largely means agricultural productivity as cotton farmers will have readily available markets for their products. Apocalypse Circle avers that government and the  private sector have a role to play through massive investments in sectors that will create jobs for Nigerians and inadvertently trigger economic prosperity.