Managing Nigeria's Economic Challenges and National Security: Strategies for Stability and Growth

Managing Nigeria's Economic Challenges and National Security: Strategies for Stability and Growth is a multidisciplinary edited volume that examines the complex relationship between economic development, governance, education, public policy, and national security in Nigeria. At a critical period in the nation's development trajectory, the book brings together contributions from scholars and practitioners across diverse disciplines to explore evidence-based strategies for achieving sustainable economic growth, institutional resilience, and long-term national stability. Recognising that economic prosperity and national security are mutually reinforcing, the volume investigates the structural, institutional, and socio-economic factors that shape Nigeria's development landscape. Through rigorous analysis and practical policy recommendations, the contributors address contemporary challenges including unemployment, poverty, educational reform, human capital development, financial inclusion, food security, governance deficits, corruption, insecurity, infrastructure development, industrialisation, entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and regional economic integration. The book is organised into four interconnected sections. Part One examines education as a catalyst for economic transformation and national security, highlighting the importance of technical and vocational education, teacher education, civic education, STEM education, adult and lifelong learning, inclusive education, educational management, and policy reforms in building human capital and promoting national cohesion. Part Two focuses on economic development strategies for growth and resilience. The chapters explore youth empowerment, women's economic participation, public-private partnerships, cooperative societies, microfinance, financial inclusion, agricultural development, food security, rural development, the digital economy, ICT, innovation, and strategic marketing as pathways to strengthen Nigeria's economy and improve citizens' livelihoods. Part Three investigates the intersection of governance and security, addressing corruption, community policing, migration, crisis communication, media and information management, and the role of security institutions in promoting political stability, social cohesion, and economic development. The contributors demonstrate that effective governance, transparency, and institutional accountability are indispensable for sustainable national security. Part Four examines strategic economic policies and practices that can accelerate national development. Topics include manufacturing and industrial policy, infrastructure development, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), entrepreneurship, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), sustainable capital development, energy policy, and economic reforms designed to enhance Nigeria's competitiveness in the global economy. Collectively, the chapters present a comprehensive framework for understanding and addressing the interconnected challenges confronting Nigeria. Rather than viewing economic development and national security as separate policy domains, the volume argues for integrated, collaborative, and evidence-informed approaches involving government, educational institutions, the private sector, civil society organisations, development partners, and local communities. The recommendations throughout the book offer practical pathways to strengthen governance, promote inclusive economic growth, reduce insecurity, and enhance institutional capacity. This volume makes an important contribution to scholarship on development studies, economics, public administration, political science, education, security studies, entrepreneurship, and African studies. It serves as a valuable resource for academics, researchers, postgraduate students, policymakers, development practitioners, and institutional leaders interested in Nigeria's development challenges and the broader pursuit of sustainable growth and national security across Sub-Saharan Africa. By combining theoretical insights with policy-oriented analysis, Managing Nigeria's Economic Challenges and National Security: Strategies for Stability and Growth advances scholarly discourse and offers actionable recommendations to foster economic resilience, good governance, social inclusion, and lasting national stability. This edited volume was produced under the auspices of the Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered), UNIZIK Chapter.