Department of Political Science and International Relations
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Item ASSESSMENT OF CROSS BORDER ARMS TRAFFICKING IN NIGERIA AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR REGIONAL SECURITY(Covenant University, Ota, 2026-06) OFFONG, Jeremiah Etuk; Covenant University, DissertationThe study assesses cross border arms trafficking in Nigeria and its implications for Regional Security. The illicit movement of arms across the borders is one serious challenge to Nigeria's national security, institutional integrity and sustainable developmental path. Even though Nigeria has an extensive regime of international, regional and national legal obligations on the issue of small arms and light weapons, such as the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons, the Arms Trade Treaty and the United Nations Programme of Action, hundreds of thousands of Nigerians have been killed and millions displaced by the insurgency, banditry, farmer-herder clashes and organised crime that continues to plague the country via its 4,047 km borders with Niger, Cameroon, Chad and Benin. To achieve the objective of this study, qualitative research design with descriptive trend analysis of secondary data were used in the study. Some secondary sources were analysed using systematic document analysis that was structured around SDG 16 indicators and organised into five categories: Arms seizure reports, Violence and conflict datasets, Border Security and governance assessments, Regional and international organisation reports, and peer-reviewed journal articles (2010 to 2025). The study findings showed that cross-border arms trafficking in Nigeria is a self-reinforcing structural governance problem, which requires concurrently integrated reforms in institutional integrity, border infrastructure, socio-economic development, regional security cooperation and technological modernisation. The study recommended that the government of Nigeria needs to make an urgent priority reform of institutional integrity in the border security agencies as a precondition for all other investments in counter-arms trafficking and concluded that Nigeria, ECOWAS and the international community need an integrated, simultaneous and structurally adequate response to the issue of arms trafficking on a global scale.Item DISINFORMATION IN THE DIGITAL AGE: AN ASSESSMENT OF NIGERIA-US SECURITY RELATIONS, 2017-2025(Covenant University, Ota, 2026-08) CHIMA, Samuel Kalu Chima; Covenant University, DissertationDigital disinformation has become a major obstacle in the functioning of bilateral security relationships in today's international order, especially with regard to cooperation between developed and developing countries. As a result, this study to examined the effect of digital disinformation on Nigeria-United States security cooperation between 2017 and 2025, when Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have been present and foreign malign influence operations in Africa have been on the increase. This research adopted a qualitative approach, grounded in semi-structured key informant interviews with 20 purposively selected respondents from academia, military, intelligence, diplomatic practice, media and civil society, complemented by policy documents, institutional reports and publications. The results show that disinformation has had a significant effect on bilateral trust, especially in the form of exaggerated claims of religious persecution that led to Nigeria being redesignated as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) in October 2025. The disinformation strategies that are used are multi-layered, such as social media amplification, generative AI, recontextualized content, influencer laundering, and high-level lobbying. The study reveals a diverse multi-actor landscape of foreign state actors, domestic political actors, separatist/extramist groups, religious advocacy networks, and profit-driven platforms. The research combines constructivism and realism, highlighting the disinformation as an instrument of power competition and an ideational reconstruction process. To counter the erosion of bilateral trust, this study recommends the establishment of a joint Nigeria-United States bilateral mechanism for the coordinated identification, attribution, and disruption of disinformation networks targeting their security cooperation, building on and expanding the framework previously developed by the US Global Engagement Center before its mandate lapsed in December 2024.The study concludes that coordinated approaches of the statutory, technological, communicative, educational and bilateral cooperative nature are necessary for the effectiveness of countermeasures. Suggested solutions encompass establishing of a formal bilateral mechanism for countering disinformation, institutionalisation of fast-track strategic communication, strengthening regulatory processes with safeguards for civil liberties, increasing digital literacy initiatives, and independent fact-checking institutions.Item EFFECT OF FLEXIBLE WORK ARRANGEMENTS ON EMPLOYEES’ PRODUCTIVITY IN LAGOS STATE PUBLIC SERVICE(Covenant University, Ota, 2026-08) DEBO-ADELEYE, Naomi Adefesola; Covenant University, DissertationThe growing adoption of flexible work arrangements (FWAs), accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and Nigeria's 2024 fuel subsidy removal, has raised important questions about their productivity implications in bureaucratic public institutions. Although the Lagos State Government introduced a formal flexible work policy in February 2024, empirical evidence on its effectiveness remained limited. This study examined the effect of telecommuting, flexible working hours, compressed work schedules, and job sharing on employee productivity in the Lagos State Public Service and assessed the moderating roles of supervision, performance monitoring, and accountability mechanisms. A cross-sectional mixed-methods design was adopted. The population comprised 4,665 employees from three selected Lagos State ministries, sampled using Krejcie and Morgan's (1970) method, with 335 questionnaires yielding 304 valid responses (76.2%) and 15 structured interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, one-way ANOVA, multiple regression, and moderation analysis; qualitative data were analysed thematically. FWA prevalence was uniformly low across all three ministries, with no significant inter-ministerial differences [F (2, 301) = 0.545, p = .580, η² = 0.004], supporting the first null hypothesis. Regression analysis showed that FWAs significantly predicted employee productivity, explaining 69.3% of variance (R² = 0.693, p < 0.001), rejecting the second null hypothesis. Job sharing and flexible working hours were the strongest independent predictors. Supervision, performance monitoring, and accountability mechanisms did not significantly moderate the FWA–productivity relationship (p > 0.05), supporting the third null hypothesis, though each independently predicted productivity. Qualitatively, paper-based processes, inadequate ICT infrastructure, and presence-based supervision were the primary barriers to implementation. FWAs, particularly through job sharing and flexible working hours, hold significant potential for productivity in the Lagos State Public Service. It is therefore recommended that the Lagos State Government institutionalise a comprehensive FWA Policy Framework, invest in ICT infrastructure, and transition to output-based performance management.Item ASSESSMENT OF NATIONAL COUNTER TERRORISM STRATEGY AND HUMAN SECURITY IN BORNO STATE, NIGERIA(Covenant University, Ota, 2026-08) JOSEPH, Ruth Modupeoluwa; Covenant University, DissertationTerrorism is still impacting Borno State more than a decade after the National Counter- Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST) of Nigeria was adopted, leaving a question of how far the strategy has gone in yielding its desired results. While military operations have played a role in territorial recovery, a focus on timely security responses appears to have overshadowed other non-kinetic considerations, such as civilian protection. The study addresses the four pillars of the strategy: Forestall, Secure, Identify, and Implement and their respective dimensions for addressing issues relating to radicalisation, civilian protection, early warning, and institution coordination. The analysis is guided by Human Security Theory and Policy Implementation Theory and adopts a single-case embedded qualitative design. Borno State was selected because its setting of insurgency, military action, displacement, and reintegration provides a suitable context for understanding the implementation of policy decisions. Primary data were collected through twenty semi-structured interviews with military personnel, civil society representatives, community members, and academic experts. Thematic and discourse analyses were adopted to analyse these accounts using secondary sources. The findings reveal that NACTEST remains military oriented and, at times, states’ security focus is more on military than on human security. The Forestall pillar is still hindered by socio-economic exclusion and resistance to the return of the former combatants. The Secure pillar has helped reclaim territory from insurgent groups but has also been associated with reductions in civil rights and disruptions to livelihoods. Competition amongst institutions further inhibits the sharing of intelligence and cooperation and reduces the impact of the Identify and Implement pillars. Patterns show that military success is not enough for long-term stabilisation in an environment of institutional weaknesses and unresolved community grievances. There is a need for a more balanced approach, with focus on civilian welfare, human rights and effective security operations. The study calls for the enhancement of socio-economic measures, accountability of institutions, protection of victims, and reliable information sharing. This can help ease the de-radicalisation of environments and help foster social cohesion in these communities. The study also advances the literature on security studies by studying and assessing counterterrorism policy through civilian safety and public trust as measures of policy success.Item DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND BUREAUCRATIC REFORM IN NIGERIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC SECTOR EFFICIENCY(4th International Conference, School of Vommunication and Information Technology,Federal University of Technology Ilaro, 2026) Abasilim, Ugochukwu D.; Peter, Mark J.; Udofia, Anieti N.Abstract Digital transformation has become a central strategy for bureaucratic reform in developing countries, particularly to enhance public-sector efficiency and advance sustainable development. In Nigeria, reforms in payroll management, public procurement, financial systems, digital identity infrastructure, and open government data are widely promoted as mechanisms for modernising the public bureaucracy. However, their capacity to deliver measurable efficiency gains and advance Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 8, 9, and 16) remains contested. This paper examines the implications of digital transformation for bureaucratic reform and public sector efficiency in Nigeria. Drawing on New Public Management, Institutional Theory, and Sociotechnical Systems Theory, the study adopts a qualitative design based on secondary data, including policy documents, government reports, and existing empirical studies across six reform domains. Findings show that while digital initiatives have improved procedural transparency and standardisation, efficiency gains remain uneven and are constrained by entrenched institutional weaknesses, fragmented governance structures, and limited subnational capacity. The paper argues that a predominantly technocratic reform approach, insufficiently aligned with political and institutional realities, undermines transformative outcomes. The study concludes that without strengthened accountability, institutional coherence, and subnational inclusion, digital transformation in Nigeria risks yielding symbolic rather than substantive improvements in public sector efficiency.Item Peace in the shadow of conflict: exploring the potential of constructive language strategies in Israel–Hamas relations(International Journal of Conflict Management, 2025) Osimen, Goddy Uwa; Dele-Dada, Moyosoluwa; Chidozie, Felix; Osere, Janefrances NkemPurpose – This study aims to explore the potential of constructive language strategies in transforming and creating open avenues for sustainable peacebuilding amid ideological rigidity and cycles of retaliatory violence. Design/methodology/approach – Using critical discourse analysis grounded in the theory of linguistic relativity, moral disengagement, structural violence and epistemic injustice, this study analyses 75 purposively sampled texts, including official statements, media reports and grassroots communications. The analysis is structured across textual, discursive and sociocultural levels, with coding conducted through NVivo 12. Findings – The findings demonstrate that language is not merely a reflection of conflict but a powerful tool in shaping it. Dehumanising, moralising and binary narratives dominate official discourse from both parties, sustaining hostilities and limiting the discursive space for peace. Practical implications – Constructive communication strategies, particularly in ceasefire negotiations, education and media reporting, can lower emotional intensity, challenge adversarial narratives and foster environments conducive to dialogue and reconciliation. Originality/value – This research moves beyond traditional analyses of military and political strategies to offer a discourse-centred perspective on peacebuilding, revealing both the potential and limitations of language as a transformative tool in asymmetric conflicts.Item Youth Empowerment and Sustainable Development: An Assessment of the 'One Youth-Two Skills' Scheme in Anambra State, Nigeria(Janna Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, Volume 7, 2025) Ezebuilo, Paul Chibuike; Chukwudi, Celestine Ekene; Obiora, Charles Arinze; Ofuonye, Joseph NdubuisiBackground: Youth empowern1ent and development can be achieved through adequate training and empowerment. Perhaps governments implement different programmes to empower their young generation with this in mind. Objective: This study investigates the effect of the 'One Youth-Two Skills' scheme on youth empowern1ent and sustainable development in Anambra State, Nigeria. Methodology: The study adopted a quantitative research design. A purposive random sampling technique was used to select the targeted respondents. Data was sourced through questionnaire copies and participant observation and presented and analysed using inferential statistics, such as frequency tables, mean, and chi-square, to test the hypotheses. Results: The study found that the 'One Youth-Two Skills' scheme has significantly influenced youth empowerment and sustainable development. An effective transfom1ationalleadership style with clearly set goals and good management has helped achieve this. However, insufficient funds, unequal distribution of materials and allocations, and poor monitoring and supervision, among other challenges, are affecting the 'One Youth-Two Skills' youth empowerment and sustainable development in Anambra State. Conclusion: To ensure a strong youth orientation towards economic empowennent and growth, a serious partnership is needed to ensure inclusive policies that invest in youth training. Unique Contribution: This study contributes to the existing literature on the best practices and modalities for ensuring effective youth empowerment and sustainable development in Anambra, Nigeria. Key Recommendations: To attain the aim of empowem1ent, an increase in funds/grants, equitable allocation of resources and materials, more partnerships, collaboration, proper monitoring, and mentorship are needed.Item Unpacking the Political Economy of Member States' Withdrawal from ECOWAS: The Cases of Burkina Faso, Mali, and the Niger Republic(2025) Chukwudi, Celestine Ekene; Essien, Nick Pe ter; Ezebuilo, Paul ChibuikeThe Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a regional organisation that has worked since its inception to maintain member states' unification and improved relationships with other regional and Western nations to ensure political and socio-economic development. Despite all efforts, ECOWAS faces numerous challenges, such as an undemocratic government, insecurity, a lack of member cooperation, and, most recently, the exit of its trio-member nations. The study explores the political and socio-economic consequences of ECOWAS member nations like Mali, Burkina Faso, and the Niger's exit, and the effect on regional integration and cooperation. Rational Choice theory was adopted as a theoretical framework suitable for the underpinnings of this study. A qualitative research method, i.e., content analysis, was adopted to analyse the collated data. The study used secondary sources of data collection, e.g., textbooks, journals, conference proceedings, and internet sources, which were thematically discussed. The study finds that the trio-member nations that withdrew their membership are not parasitic and dependent on ECOWAS but have contributed to the continuous well-being of the organisation towards promoting and ensuring the regional integration, cooperation, growth, and development at large. The study concluded that the ECOWAS political and socio-economic system has been seriously affected, including the organisational image and recognition in Africa and globally. The study recommends that policymakers and international organisations such as ECOWAS, AU, EU, etc., should ensure inclusivity of all member nations, which would bring a sense of value and belonging that will keep them committed and loyal to their organizations, to avoid any member nation rising to disobey the principles of this organisation with the mindset of exit.Item Soft Power Strategies and Reshaping of Global Affairs: A Comparative Analysis of China and Nigeria in the 21st Century(Nnamdi Azikiwe Journal of Poli1tical Science, 2025) Chukwudi, Celestine Ekene; Isaac, Grace UgochiTills study does a comparative analysis of the soft power strategies of China and Nigeria, highlighting their unique resources, approaches, and challenges in the 21"1 century. It explores how China leverages initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative, media influence, and cultural diplomacy to assert global influence, while Nigeria struggles to capitalize on its rich cultural heritage. Drawing on reports, literature, and 12 qualitative interviews as primary data, the paper analyses how economic, social, and political factors shape each country's soft power. A key finding reveals that China's centralized coordination enhances its soft power impact, whereas Nigeria's fragmented institutions hinder its effectivenessItem Reassessing the Role of Culture in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The Nigerian Narrative(PERSPEKTIF, 2026) Chukwudi, Celestine Ekene; Isaac, Grace UgochiNigeria's extensive cultural diversity, spanning over 250 ethnic groups, and its expanding creative economy hold significant potential for advancing sustainable development However, the underutilization of cultural assets in national development strategies represents a persistent challenge. This study investigates how culture contributes to sustainability in Nigeria and evaluates the extent to which government policies, particularly the 1988 National Cultural Policy, align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Adopting a qualitative research design, the study analyses policy documents, government reports, and academic literature using thematic and content analyses, guided by the Cultural Heritage and Creativity Framework Findings reveal that culture has been deployed in sustainability efforts through arts, music, media campaigns, and creative industries to promote civic education, peace-building, and environmental awareness. Despite this progress, weak policy implementation, funding limitations, and exclusion of cultural stakeholders constrain impact The study concludes that systematic integration of cultural heritage and creativity into development planning, education, and SDG monitoring is crucial to strengthening Nigeria's sustainability agenda and providing a replicable model for other African states.