Analysing the paradigm shift in the Nigerian government’s approach to the Niger-Delta crisis (2009-2021)

Abstract

This study analyses the Niger-Delta security crisis from the prism of the Nigerian Government's approach to the crisis from 2009-2021. It leverages a qualitative research methodology and the human security framework to find and argue that the Federal Government of Nigeria, given the introduction of the Presidential Amnesty Program (P.A.P) for ex-agitators in 2009, has changed its notion of security from a statist paradigm (of the pre-2009 period) to a human security paradigm. Furthermore, it aligns the amnesty program with other human security initiatives implemented by the government in the region, which the extant literature is yet to recognise. While the study acknowledges the paradigm shift in terms of the Federal Government’s peacebuilding approach in the Niger-Delta region, it argues that the conspicuous exclusion of non-violent agitators from the process hampers the prospect of achieving sustainable peace in the region. The study recommends an inclusive peacebuilding strategy to engender co-created peace between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Niger-Delta region.