The role of governance and institutional frameworks in addressing political and ethno-religious conflicts in Nigeria

Аннотация

Nigeria, a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country, has experienced persistent political and ethno- religious conflicts since independence in 1960, COPYRIGHT stemming from identity-based grievances, resource © 2025 Original content from this work may be used under the terms control disputes, and political power struggles. Despite of the creative commons attributes 4.0 License. its transition to democracy, Nigeria's governance structures have remained weak, characterized by corruption, exclusionary policies, and poor conflict management mechanisms. These deficiencies have deepened social divisions, hindered national development, and perpetuated violent conflicts. The study examines the role of governance failures and institutional weaknesses in fueling these conflicts and explores practical reforms to strengthen governance frameworks and promote stability. Guided by Institutional Theory, which highlights the importance of formal and informal institutions in shaping human behavior and reducing uncertainty, the study employs a qualitative approach, combining a literature review with case studies of key conflict areas, including the Jos crisis, Boko Haram insurgency, Kaduna religious crisis, Taraba State conflict, and Lagos inter-ethnic conflicts. The findings reveal that political exclusion, socio-economic inequalities, weak conflict resolution mechanisms, and human security deficits are significant drivers of conflicts across Nigeria. The study recommends that addressing these issues requires institutional reforms to promote inclusivity, accountability, and human security, alongside security sector reforms and community-based The American Journal of Political Science Law and Criminology 134 https://www.theamericanjournals.com/index.php/tajpslc The American Journal of Political Science Law and Criminology dialogue initiatives. Strengthening both formal and manipulate ethnic and religious sentiments for personal informal institutions is essential to reducing conflicts gain, leading to the politicization of identity and and fostering sustainable peace in Nigeria. perpetuation of grievances. This calls for a more in- depth examination of how governance practices and institutional frameworks can be strengthened to Keywords: Governance, Institutional Frameworks, address the root causes of these conflicts and promote Ethno-Religious Conflicts, Political Stability, Nigeria. sustainable peace. Statement of the Problem Introduction: Background to the Study Nigeria's history is marked by persistent political and Nigeria is one of Africa's most populous and diverse ethno-religious conflicts, which have hampered national countries, with over 250 ethnic groups and a wide development and social cohesion. These conflicts have range of religious affiliations. It is often described as a taken various forms, including communal clashes, "giant of Africa" due to its significant economic and religious violence, electoral disputes, and insurgencies. political influence on the continent. However, despite The most notable examples include the Biafra civil war its vast natural and human resources, Nigeria has (1967–1970), the Maitatsine uprisings in the 1980s, and experienced persistent political instability and violent the ongoing Boko Haram insurgency that has devastated ethno-religious conflicts since gaining independence in the northeastern region of the country. 1960. These conflicts, rooted in issues of identity, Despite transitioning from military rule to a democratic resource allocation, and political power, have resulted system in 1999, Nigeria continues to face challenges in in significant human and material losses, stunted managing diversity and maintaining peace. Democratic economic growth, and weakened national cohesion. institutions have struggled to provide the necessary The country’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious mechanisms for resolving disputes, promoting justice, composition has created complex social dynamics that and ensuring equal representation. Political elites often require robust governance mechanisms to manage. exploit ethnic and religious identities to gain political Unfortunately, Nigeria's governance structures and power, further deepening divisions within the society. institutions have often been inadequate in addressing The problem is not merely the existence of diversity in these conflicts. Corruptions, weak rule of law, lack of Nigeria but the failure of governance structures and transparency, and political exclusion have hindered institutions to effectively manage that diversity. Existing efforts to achieve peace and stability. Ethno-religious frameworks have been inadequate in addressing issues conflicts, particularly in the northern and central of marginalization, exclusion, and political injustice, regions, continue to pose a major threat to national which fuel conflicts. Moreover, corruption, inefficiency, unity. and lack of accountability within these institutions have Good governance, chara