CHAPTER
ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study
Terrorism
is defined as calculated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against
noncombatant targets by subnational groups or clandestine agents, usually
intended to influence an audience.
The
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) also defines terrorism as “the unlawful
use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a
government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of
political or social objectives.”
The
problem of terrorism and global security has become substantial points of
contention in putting in place foreign policy of nations across the globe.
Recent researches have revealed that such challenges as, social, economic,
political and technological factors that spin around the hub ofglobal security
matters have been seriously undermined by dangerous acts of terrorism. Thisis
because terrorism in which ever from poses an alarming kind of violence and
threat in thecontemporary world, which constitutes great hindrance to free flow
relationship that existamongst nations. In Nigeria for instance the cause of
terrorism ranges from religiousextremism, perceived oppression and nationalist separatist
or ethnic considerations that nodoubt have greatly impacted on the Nigerian
foreign policy. The secure position of a state with oil Niger Delta, theimpact
of terrorism and global security on Nigerian foreign policy measures to
combatterrorism and enhance global security.
The
rise of terrorism in Nigeria owing to the rise of Islamic fundamentalism in
Northern Nigeria has greatly washed out the country’s foreign policy drive. The
activities Boko Haram in Nigeria have led to negative reactions from groups and
nations that have been affected by its activities in the country thereby
leading to deterioration of foreign relations of these countries with Nigeria.
Terrorist
acts in Nigeria by Boko Haram and other groups have generated so much interest
from the international community raising questions as to the potency of
government’s strategy to deal with the menace. This is because the audacity of
the group has continued unabated amidst government claims of winning the war,
every day casualty’s increase at alarming rates after each attack making the
general public to lose confidence in the system.
1.2 Statement
of the problem
Nigeria
has been caught in the web as terrorist acts are now a regular attribute which
has affected its image abroad. This has led to capital flight as many nations
have withdrawn their presence in the country making government to lose revenue
at an alarming rate. Incidences of abduction and bombings in Nigeria have made
the country lose its 6th position as a leading oil exporting country to Angola
in 2011. (Ojukwu, 2011).
Enshrined
in the foreign policy objective of Nigeria is Economic Diplomacy which is one
of the pivots of the Transformation Agenda under the Jonathan Administration (Okoro,
2013). Economic diplomacy is aimed at wooing investors from other countries to
invest in Nigeria. The recent security problem in the country has frustrated
this goal because instability and violence has led to balance of trade deficits
especially in Northern Nigeria
One
of the glaring effects of terrorism on foreign policy is that most countries do
not look at Nigeria as a serious minded nation to establish an economic
agreement with. Hence most acts of terrorism have often times been politicized
and facts distorted by government officials for personal gains.
Apart
from the economic effects of terrorism, the psyche of Nigerians has also been
affected in their everyday life as visiting public places have become dreadful.
The productivity ratio of the citizenry has also been reduced which has limited
the country’s growth and development, many Nigerians are now suffering from
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders as a result of terrorist acts that have
affected them psychologically.
Abduction
and kidnapping which is one of the tactics of terrorist groups in Nigeria has
made foreign country’s to issue travel advice to their citizens against
traveling to Nigeria. The tourism industry is the worse hit as it has lost some
of its foreign exchange earnings due to a high drop in the patronage of its
activities. International organizations such as DFID, USAID, and UNICEF
etc have withdrawn support from troubled spots in the country thereby making it
difficult for the locals to access essential health and educational programmes
which they benefited from in no small measure.
1.3 Objectives
of the study
The major aim of this research is to
examine the impact of terrorism on Nigerian foreign policy.
1. To
examine the rise of terrorism in Nigeria and also look at the Foreign Relations
Policy of government amidst the security challenges posed by the obnoxious
trend and also the measures taken by government to pre-empt its expansion and
continue threats to live and property with recommendations drawn forthwith.
1.4 Research
questions
1. What is the impact of terrorism
on Nigerian foreign policy?
1.5 Research hypotheses
Ho:
Terrorism has no significant impact on Nigerian foreign policy.
Hi:
Terrorism has significant impact on Nigerian foreign policy.
1.6 Significance of the study
The
paper will assist the government in tackling and reducing, if not stopping terrorism
in Nigeria.
1.7 Scope/Limitations of the study
The
scope of this study centers on terrorism and Nigerian foreign policy.
Limitations of study
1.
Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the
efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature
or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire
and interview).
2.
Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously
engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down
on the time devoted for the research work.
1.8 Definition
of terms
Global security:is the efforts taken by the community of nations
to protect against threats which are transnational in nature.
Security:this is an investmentvehicle offered by an insurance company, that guarantees a stream of fixed payments over the life
of the annuity.
Terrorism:as
calculated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against noncombatant
targets by subnational groups or clandestine agents, usually intended to
influence an audience.
Foreign policy:is
the manner and objectives that are important for establishing and maintaining
relationships with other countries and people of other lands.
Policy:A
plan or course of action, as of a government,politicalparty,
or business,intended to influenceanddeterminedecisions,actions,andothermatters