State Fragility, State Formation, and Human Security in Nigeria

Since the 1990s, attempts at democratic transition have generated hopes for 'civil society' as well as ambivalence about the state. The interdisciplinary studies gathered here explore this dynamic through the complex interactions of state fragility, self-help, and self-organization in Nigeria. Nigeria stands as a particularly interesting case, as its multifaceted associational life extends far beyond civil society organizations (CSOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs): as this volume reveals, there is a 'third sector' of Nigerian society encompassing everything from community self-help programs to ethno-religious affiliations to militias. Some of these formations have narrow, pragmatic aims, while others have an explicit socio-cultural or political agenda; most can be understood as compensating for the state's failure to deliver services and maintain regulatory frameworks. By examining the emergence of broader forms of civil society, this volume considers their successes while also assessing their costs and contradictions.

Since the 1990s, attempts at democratic transition have generated hopes for 'civil society' as well as ambivalence about the state. The interdisciplinary studies gathered here explore this dynamic through the complex interactions of state fragility, self-help, and self-organization in Nigeria. Nigeria stands as a particularly interesting case, as its multifaceted associational life extends far beyond civil society organizations (CSOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs): as this volume reveals, there is a 'third sector' of Nigerian society encompassing everything from community self-help programs to ethno-religious affiliations to militias. Some of these formations have narrow, pragmatic aims, while others have an explicit socio-cultural or political agenda; most can be understood as compensating for the state's failure to deliver services and maintain regulatory frameworks. By examining the emergence of broader forms of civil society, this volume considers their successes while also assessing their costs and contradictions.

1. State Fragility, State Formation, and Human Security in Nigeria: Introduction, Concepts, and Questions; Mojúbàolú Olúfúnké Okome 2. State and Civil Society in Nigeria in the Era of Structural Adjustment Program, 1986–1993; Mojúbàolú Olúfúnké Okome 3. 'Civil' or 'Uncivil' Society? Revisiting the Proliferation of Ethnic Organizations in Southern Nigeria; Adedayo Oluwakayode Adekson 4. From 'Area-Boyism' to 'Junctions and Bases': Youth Social Formation and the Micro Structures of Violence in Lagos Island; Olawale Ismail 5. State Failure and Niger Delta Conflict; Ben Naanen and Kialee Nyiayaana 6. Anatomy of Conflicts in Northern Nigeria; C. Nna-Emeka Okereke 7. Social Obligations of the Church in a Failed Nigerian State; Dapo F. Asaju and Harriet Seun Dapo-Asaju 8. The Role of the Christian Church in Building Civil Society in Nigeria; Rotimi Williams Omotoye and Elisabeth DeCampos 9. An Assessment of Conflict Transformation and Peacebuilding Capabilities in Nigeria: Reflections of a Practitioner; Ayokunle Fagbemi