Fiscal federalism and insecurity in Nigeria

This paper examines the connection between fiscal federalism and insecurity in Nigeria. Many scholars have identified strong links between fiscal federalism and different types of conflicts that breed insecurity. Since independence, the demand for true fiscal federalism, fiscal and political restructuring by different ethnic nationalities in Nigeria has not abated. The paper argues that these agitations have contributed to violent rebellious reactions by aggrieved ethnic groups in the country, endangering the security, unity, and corporate existence of Nigeria as one country. It has also contributed to the alarming level of insecurity in the country. To ensure peace in the country, the State should adopt a proper fiscal federalism with appropriate system at various tiers of government, as a solution to some of the current problems confronting the country, including the insecurity it is facing now. Also if decentralization is conceived, planned, implemented, and sustained as a structural arrangement to devolve fiscal powers and responsibilities to subnational governments, then it stands strong chances of promoting peace and preventing insecurity.