An Examination of Contemporary Conflict Management Approach in the 21st Century Nigeria

Abstract

Conflict is inseparable part of human being, and an attempt to ignore it will lead to tragedy. The history of conflict in Nigeria and its resolution dated with the birth of the country. The study did a critical analysis of modern conflict management approaches in the contemporary Nigeria. The study is historical in nature relying mainly on secondary source of data collection. The work found that conflict in Nigeria is caused by multiplicity of factors such as colonial legacy, ethnic identity, religious affiliation, land and ecology factor, worsening economic conditions, and discrimination and neglect among others. Suppression, judicial process, state creation, creation of specialized ministry, synergistic approach and interfaith peacemaking among various approaches have been employed to manage the conflict in the country. The study discovered among proliferation of institutions, unclear legal and policy framework, primordial factor, financial constraints, lack of political will, and weak administration of justice as factors hindering the effectiveness of the approaches. The paper concluded by recommending combine participation, inclusion of expert in formulation of strategies, capacity building, enactment of legal frameworks and arms control. Judicial and security sectors reformed is also fundamental to the effective conflict management in Nigeria.

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