| Peer-Reviewed

Youth Restiveness and Economic Development in Nigeria: A Study of Niger-Delta

Received: 13 May 2020    Accepted: 17 June 2020    Published: 16 September 2020
Views:       Downloads:
Abstract

Youth restiveness can fit the label as a sustained protestation embarked upon to enforce a desired outcome from a constituted authority. The youths constitute a force, that if their energies are properly controlled, there will be vast progress and improvement. Nevertheless, when such energies are degenerated on actions that are unfavourable, it results into crimes. Such crimes as hostage-taking of prominent citizens and expatriate oil workers, illegal oil bunkering and arms insurgency have all caused insecurity for business to thrive, thereby affecting economic development in Nigeria. It is in line with this, that the study examined youth restiveness and its impact on the economic development in Nigeria using Niger-Delta as a study. The study used the relative deprivation and the broken window theories as the theoretical framework. The research adopted qualitative method. The population was the youths in Nigeria, particularly in the Niger-Delta. This part of the country was purposively selected because the youth in this area constituted the major restive behaviour witnessed in Nigeria between 2010 and 2018. Data were collected through documentary review (of publications on youth restiveness) as well as journals, and materials from the internet. Findings showed that the nature of most youths that engage in youth restive activities in the Niger-Delta do not have access to formal education; these youths are majorly unemployed and poor. Also, the institutional effort of the government in eradicating youth restiveness has proven incapable of alleviating the critical situation and that the governments’ lack of leadership and discipline has hindered the eradication of youth restiveness. Furthermore, the effect of youth restiveness on the economic development in Nigeria has cost the nation its stability, general improvement, cultural integrity, likelihood of survival and its preservation of national value. The study concluded that youth restiveness is a serious issue that has affected Nigerian state in the negative. It caused a drastic reduction of per capita increase of the nation’s production which forms the basis for economic development. It was recommended that, government should pay more attention to the needs and demands of the less privileged youths in the country by giving them scholarships, entrepreneurship loans and skill acquisition programs. This will engage them in legitimate works and prevent any form of idleness. There should be an enlightenment campaign against youth restiveness, as this will make citizens become more educated on the damage youth restiveness can bring to the society.

Published in Journal of Political Science and International Relations (Volume 3, Issue 3)
DOI 10.11648/j.jpsir.20200303.14
Page(s) 70-83
Creative Commons

This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.

Copyright

Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Economic Development, Niger-Delta, Youth, Youth Restiveness

References
[1] Igbo, H. & Ikpa, I. (2013). Causes, Effects and Ways of Curbing Youth Restiveness in Nigeria: Implications for Counselling. Journal of Education and Practice, 4 (6), 131-137.
[2] Osalor P. (2012) Youth Restiveness and Unemployment in Nigeria: The Way Out part 1.
[3] Lamido S. (2012) Youth Violence in the North: the Boko Haram Sector.
[4] Ololube, N. (2011). Education and Society: An Interactive Approach. Owerri: Springfield Publishers.
[5] Winston S. C (2013) Economic Development: City of Winston-Salem North Carolina.
[6] Amartya S. (1999) Discovering development. The Dreams and Damage.
[7] Girigiri, B. (2017). Issues in the Problems of Youth Restiveness; Niger Delta Contact. New Owerri: Springfield Publishers.
[8] Abudah K. B. (2004). Alternative Dispute Resolution in Niger. Law Practice J., 2 (1): 6.
[9] Elegbeleye, O. (2015). Recreational Facilities in Schools: A Panacea for Youth Restiveness. Journal of Human Ecology, 93-98.
[10] Zakaria (2006). Curbing Youth Restiveness in Nigeria: The Role of Information and Libraries.
[11] World Bank (1992): World Bank Annual Report 1992 (English).
[12] Aruthur L. (1954). The Economy of Loyalty Contracts: Model of Structural Economic Growth and Development.
[13] Eliagwu (2008). Conflict Resolution through Dialogue in the Niger Delta: Youth Restiveness and Socio-Economic Development.
[14] Onah (1999) Social Conflict in the South-South Nigeria: Implications for Foreign Investment.
[15] Gurr T. (1970). Why Men Rebel.
[16] Coleman J. (1966). Socio-economic Development of the various Ethnic Groups.
[17] Asobie (2004). Niger Delta Youth Restiveness and Socio-Economic Development of Nigeria: Academic Journals.
[18] Saro wiwa K. (2006). Ethnic Minority Conflicts and Governance in Nigeria: A Case Study of Rivers State.
[19] Chen X. (2015). Status Concern and Relative Deprivation in China: Measures, Empirical Evidence, and Economic Policy.
[20] Wilson J. Q and Kelling G. (1982). Broken Windows: The Police and Neighbourhood Safety (From Criminal Justice System: Politics and Policies).
[21] Lemo, T. (2013). “Policy and Execution” in “Development and the Entrepreneurial Challenge” (11th January, 2013). Available online at accessed on 15th June, 2018.
[22] Yahaya, M. (2016). Poverty Alleviation Programme as a Means of Fostering Nigeria Nationhood. The Project YES Experience. Minna. Gurara J. Human. Stud. 3 (2): 50-51.
[23] Yusuf, S. (2016). Youths and National Orientation. In A. A. Adegoke (Ed.) Proceeding of the 25th National Conference of the Counseling Association of Nigeria 11–15.
[24] Central Bank of Nigeria (2017). CBN Briefs (2014–2015 Edition). Abuja: Research and Statistics Department of Central Bank of Nigeria.
[25] CBN “Annual Report and Statement of Accounts” 2017, (Central Bank of Nigeria.).
[26] Asamu, F. (2016). Ethnic Militias and National Security. In J. F. Hassan S. Ebele. A (Ed.), Democracy and Development in Nigeria, Social Issues and External Relations (Vol. 3).
[27] Abdullahi, S., Mohammed I. Z., & Casey, C. (2011). Studies in Cultural Sociology. Ibadan: Foludex Printers.
[28] Haruna, A and Jumba, A. H. (2017). Politics of Thuggery and Patronage in the North Eastern Nigeria. Journal of Academic Research International, 1 (1), 111-119.
[29] Chukwuemeka, E. (2015). Bourgeoisie against Peasants: A Political Diagnosis of the Evil Consequences of Multinational in Africa. Journal of Interventional Studies 1 (2), 45–50.
[30] Coleman, J. (2010). Nigeria: Background to Nationalism. Benin City: Borburg and Winston.
[31] Mutiba, B. (2017). Inculcating values the Need of the Hour: And Curbing Youth Restiveness for National Peace, Transformation and Development.
[32] Ifidon, S., & Ahiauzu, B. (2015). Information and Conflict Prevention in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. African Journal of Libraries, Archives, and Information Science. 15, (2): 125-132.
[33] Chukuezi, C. (2014). Poverty and Youth Restiveness in Nigeria: Implications for National Development. Ozean Journal of Social Sciences, 2 (2), 97-103.
[34] Chika, P.. & Onyene, V. (2010). Youth restiveness in the Niger Delta of Nigeria: Implication for education and leadership. European Journal of Social Sciences 18, 2, 286–296.
[35] Okaba, B. (2015). Petroleum Industry and the Paradox of Rural Poverty in the Niger Delta Benin City: Ethiope Publishing.
[36] Ndu, A. (2012). The role of family in managing indiscipline among youths in Nigeria. Journal of Counselling Psychology. 1, 45–51.
[37] Ofem, N.., & Ajayi A. (2016). Effects of youth empowerment strategies on conflict resolutions in the Niger Delta of Nigeria: Evidence from Cross River State. Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development 6 (1, 2): 139-146.
[38] Emaduku. A. (2016). Youth Restiveness, Militancy and the Intractable Problems of the Niger-Delta.
[39] Onyekpe, N. (2011). Managing youth at election. The Constitution: A Journal of Constitutional Development. 7, (1): 76-87.
[40] Chukwuemeka, E. Anazodo, R. & Nzewi, H. (2011). Social conflict in the south-south Nigeria: Implications for foreign investment. African Journal of Political Science and International relations 5, 335–340.
[41] Anasi S. (2010) Curbing Youth Restiveness in Nigeria: The Role of Information and Libraries.
[42] Inyang, B. (2016). “Tackling Unemployment Hurdles in the fragile economies of the Niger Delta region of Nigeria”. In the international observer. 1 (2), 196-200.
[43] Okojie, U. (2016). “Impact of Niger Delta crises on Nigerian Economy”. In the Nigerian. Journal of Research and Production. 15 (2), 106–110.
[44] Ololube, N. (2015). Understanding Teachers Professional Competencies for Education Effectiveness. Owerri: SpringField Publishers.
[45] Chukwuemeka, E. & Agbara, V. (2010). Niger Delta youth restiveness and socio-economic development of Nigeria. Educational Research and Reviews 5, 7, 400–407.
[46] Okoko, K. and Nna J. (2015). “Federalism and Resource Allocation: The Nigerian Experience”. Nigerian Journal of Oil and Politics. 1 (1), 16-35.
[47] Nwiyi, G. (2017). Education, youth restiveness and unemployment: Implication for national development. Port Harcourt, Nigeria: Rodi Printing & Publishing.
[48] Alubo, O. (2012). Sociology: A Concise Introduction. Jos, Nigeria: Ichejum. press Ltd.
[49] Anioke, U. (2012). Conflict Resolution in the Local Government” paper Presented in a workshop, organised by Local Government Service Commission, Enugu.
[50] Herskovits, J. (2012). In B. a. Sule (Ed.), Pupolar Participation and Democrazation in Nigeria Under Youth Republic. ARADA.
[51] Okujagu, A. (2017). Morality, Religion (Faith) and Philosophy (Reason). Port Harcourt: Edison International.
[52] Ololube, N. (2012). Sociology of education and society: An interactive approach. Owerri: Springfield Publishers.
[53] Ibaba, S. (2015). Understanding the Niger Delta Crisis. Port Harcourt: Amethyst and Colleagues Publishers.
[54] Okorosaye-Orubite, A. (2015). Education and Sustainable development in the Niger Delta: The Role of the Youth. International conference on the Nigerian state, oil industry and the Niger Delta. Port Harcourt, Nigeria: Harey Publications.
[55] Idumange, J. (2018). Dynamics of Oil Style Insurgency in the Niger Delta, Implications for Educational Development. Owerri, Nigeria: Springfield publishers.
[56] Alafonye U., ololube N. P, egbezor (2014) Academic Background, Socio-Economic Status and Gender: Implications for Youth Restiveness and Educational Development in Rivers State.
[57] Asobie A (2014). Conflict Resolution and Human Rights: A case study approach Ibadan: E Watch Print. Chukwuemeka, Emma (2008) Prnciples of Human and Personnel management in Nigeria, Enugu: HRV Publishers.
[58] Population Reference Bureau (2016): World Population Data Sheet.
[59] Yesufu, T., (2016), The Nigerian Economy: Growth without Development. The Journal of Uni. Benin Social Science Series for Africa.
[60] Abdullahi A. (2012) A review of youth violence theories, developing interventions to promote sustainable peace in Ilorin.
[61] Adewuyi, T. (2008). Utilization of self-counselling theories for youth peer relationship. The Lagos Counsellor. 1, 1, 5–21.
[62] Akintoby, B., and Cinyabuguma, M., 2004, Sources of Growth in the Democratic Republic of Congo: A Co-integration Approach. IMF Working Paper, 04 (114).
[63] Akintoye, A. (1999). Zango-Kataf Crises: A Case Study in Otite. Ibadan: Alberts formation, Spectrum Books.
[64] Arowosegbe J. (2007) Violence and the national development in Nigeria, the political economy of youth restiveness in the Niger delta.
[65] Capasso, S., (2006), Stock Market Development and Economic Growth, Research Paper. No. 2006/102, United Nations University, World Institute for Development 21 (1).
[66] Essien, E. and Bawa, E., 2007, Explaining Growth: A Cross- Country Analysis of West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ)” CBN Economic and Financial Review vol. 40. Setp.
[67] Essien, E., 2002, Nigeria’s Economic Growth: Performance and Determinant, CBN Economic and Financial Review, 40. (3).
[68] Federal Republic of Nigeria (2001), National Youth Development Policy, Programme and Implementation Strategies, Nigeria, Abuja.
[69] Girigiri (2007) The challenges of youth restiveness and educational development In rivers state.
[70] Gotep M (2000). The contribution of social studies education towards nation-building. Social -Studies Quarterly 3 (l): 116- 119.
[71] Iyayi, F. (2013). “Poverty in the Niger Delta”. A Paper Presented at the Meeting on Poverty Eradication October 3. Pp. 2.
[72] Lawal, H. (2013). Teacher Education and the Professional Growth of the 21st Century Nigeria Teacher. The African Symposium, 3 (2).
[73] NBS & Ministry of Youth and Development. (2013). National Baseline Youth Survey Report. Abuja.
[74] Nwanna–Nzewunwa, O. (2016). Niger Delta Crisis: Yesterday and Today. Owerri, Nigeria: Springfield Publishers.
[75] Obuh, J. (2015). Youth involvement in rural development activities in Ogba district of Rivers State, Nigeria. Journal of Agriculture and Social Research, 5 (1), 48-53.
[76] Odedokun, Mathew. O., 1997, Factors Responsible for Poor Economic Growth Performance in Africa in 1970s and 1980. A Cross -sectional evidence from 42 Countries.
[77] Ogbulu, M., 2009, Capital Market Development and Economic Growth: Application of Co-integration and Causality Tests, Journal of Finance, Banking and Investment, Abia State University, Uturu Nigeria.
[78] Ojakorotu, V., and Gilbert, L. (2010). Understanding the Context of Oil Violence in the Niger Delta of Nigeria. Johannesburg.
[79] Oluwasegun Ayokunle. [2013]. Youth Empowerment And Development Drive–An Invaluable Step To Secure Nigeria’s Future Prosperity.
[80] Romer, P,. (1994), The Origin of Endogenous Growth, The Journal of Economic Perspective, vol. 8, Issues (Winter).
[81] The Tide news curbing youth restiveness in Niger delta.
[82] Wikipedia (2013). Youth Empowerment. Last modified on 12th April, 2013.
[83] Yusuf Abdu Yusuf (2014), Youth restiveness: Nigeria’s security and sustainable development.
[84] Zeillner, Arnold., 1979, Causality and Econometrics, Carnegie-Rochester Conference Series, 10, K. Brunner and A. H. Meltzer, eds. North Holland Publishing Coy. Amsterdam.
Cite This Article
  • APA Style

    Ezedikachi Ndubuisi Eze-Michael. (2020). Youth Restiveness and Economic Development in Nigeria: A Study of Niger-Delta. Journal of Political Science and International Relations, 3(3), 70-83. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jpsir.20200303.14

    Copy | Download

    ACS Style

    Ezedikachi Ndubuisi Eze-Michael. Youth Restiveness and Economic Development in Nigeria: A Study of Niger-Delta. J. Polit. Sci. Int. Relat. 2020, 3(3), 70-83. doi: 10.11648/j.jpsir.20200303.14

    Copy | Download

    AMA Style

    Ezedikachi Ndubuisi Eze-Michael. Youth Restiveness and Economic Development in Nigeria: A Study of Niger-Delta. J Polit Sci Int Relat. 2020;3(3):70-83. doi: 10.11648/j.jpsir.20200303.14

    Copy | Download

  • @article{10.11648/j.jpsir.20200303.14,
      author = {Ezedikachi Ndubuisi Eze-Michael},
      title = {Youth Restiveness and Economic Development in Nigeria: A Study of Niger-Delta},
      journal = {Journal of Political Science and International Relations},
      volume = {3},
      number = {3},
      pages = {70-83},
      doi = {10.11648/j.jpsir.20200303.14},
      url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jpsir.20200303.14},
      eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.jpsir.20200303.14},
      abstract = {Youth restiveness can fit the label as a sustained protestation embarked upon to enforce a desired outcome from a constituted authority. The youths constitute a force, that if their energies are properly controlled, there will be vast progress and improvement. Nevertheless, when such energies are degenerated on actions that are unfavourable, it results into crimes. Such crimes as hostage-taking of prominent citizens and expatriate oil workers, illegal oil bunkering and arms insurgency have all caused insecurity for business to thrive, thereby affecting economic development in Nigeria. It is in line with this, that the study examined youth restiveness and its impact on the economic development in Nigeria using Niger-Delta as a study. The study used the relative deprivation and the broken window theories as the theoretical framework. The research adopted qualitative method. The population was the youths in Nigeria, particularly in the Niger-Delta. This part of the country was purposively selected because the youth in this area constituted the major restive behaviour witnessed in Nigeria between 2010 and 2018. Data were collected through documentary review (of publications on youth restiveness) as well as journals, and materials from the internet. Findings showed that the nature of most youths that engage in youth restive activities in the Niger-Delta do not have access to formal education; these youths are majorly unemployed and poor. Also, the institutional effort of the government in eradicating youth restiveness has proven incapable of alleviating the critical situation and that the governments’ lack of leadership and discipline has hindered the eradication of youth restiveness. Furthermore, the effect of youth restiveness on the economic development in Nigeria has cost the nation its stability, general improvement, cultural integrity, likelihood of survival and its preservation of national value. The study concluded that youth restiveness is a serious issue that has affected Nigerian state in the negative. It caused a drastic reduction of per capita increase of the nation’s production which forms the basis for economic development. It was recommended that, government should pay more attention to the needs and demands of the less privileged youths in the country by giving them scholarships, entrepreneurship loans and skill acquisition programs. This will engage them in legitimate works and prevent any form of idleness. There should be an enlightenment campaign against youth restiveness, as this will make citizens become more educated on the damage youth restiveness can bring to the society.},
     year = {2020}
    }
    

    Copy | Download

  • TY  - JOUR
    T1  - Youth Restiveness and Economic Development in Nigeria: A Study of Niger-Delta
    AU  - Ezedikachi Ndubuisi Eze-Michael
    Y1  - 2020/09/16
    PY  - 2020
    N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jpsir.20200303.14
    DO  - 10.11648/j.jpsir.20200303.14
    T2  - Journal of Political Science and International Relations
    JF  - Journal of Political Science and International Relations
    JO  - Journal of Political Science and International Relations
    SP  - 70
    EP  - 83
    PB  - Science Publishing Group
    SN  - 2640-2785
    UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jpsir.20200303.14
    AB  - Youth restiveness can fit the label as a sustained protestation embarked upon to enforce a desired outcome from a constituted authority. The youths constitute a force, that if their energies are properly controlled, there will be vast progress and improvement. Nevertheless, when such energies are degenerated on actions that are unfavourable, it results into crimes. Such crimes as hostage-taking of prominent citizens and expatriate oil workers, illegal oil bunkering and arms insurgency have all caused insecurity for business to thrive, thereby affecting economic development in Nigeria. It is in line with this, that the study examined youth restiveness and its impact on the economic development in Nigeria using Niger-Delta as a study. The study used the relative deprivation and the broken window theories as the theoretical framework. The research adopted qualitative method. The population was the youths in Nigeria, particularly in the Niger-Delta. This part of the country was purposively selected because the youth in this area constituted the major restive behaviour witnessed in Nigeria between 2010 and 2018. Data were collected through documentary review (of publications on youth restiveness) as well as journals, and materials from the internet. Findings showed that the nature of most youths that engage in youth restive activities in the Niger-Delta do not have access to formal education; these youths are majorly unemployed and poor. Also, the institutional effort of the government in eradicating youth restiveness has proven incapable of alleviating the critical situation and that the governments’ lack of leadership and discipline has hindered the eradication of youth restiveness. Furthermore, the effect of youth restiveness on the economic development in Nigeria has cost the nation its stability, general improvement, cultural integrity, likelihood of survival and its preservation of national value. The study concluded that youth restiveness is a serious issue that has affected Nigerian state in the negative. It caused a drastic reduction of per capita increase of the nation’s production which forms the basis for economic development. It was recommended that, government should pay more attention to the needs and demands of the less privileged youths in the country by giving them scholarships, entrepreneurship loans and skill acquisition programs. This will engage them in legitimate works and prevent any form of idleness. There should be an enlightenment campaign against youth restiveness, as this will make citizens become more educated on the damage youth restiveness can bring to the society.
    VL  - 3
    IS  - 3
    ER  - 

    Copy | Download

Author Information
  • Political Science and Public Administration, Babcock University, Ogun, Nigeria

  • Sections