Abstract
Non-State Actors (NSAs) have emerged as pivotal drivers of socio-economic transformation in Nigeria, stepping in to fill gaps left by state institutions while simultaneously shaping the dynamics of national security. This study examines their role in advancing socio-economic development and the implications of their activities for national security. The research aims to assess how NSAs, including civil society organisations, multinational corporations, community-based groups, faith-based institutions, and international development partners, contribute to national development while also identifying the challenges they face. A qualitative methodology was employed, drawing on secondary data from scholarly literature, policy reports, and institutional publications, complemented by case illustrations of NSA interventions across sectors such as education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and humanitarian assistance. The findings reveal that NSAs have significantly advanced Nigeria’s socio-economic progress by complementing government efforts in poverty alleviation, job creation, healthcare delivery, education, and governance advocacy. Prominent examples include the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s entrepreneurial support, Médecins Sans Frontières’ healthcare interventions in conflict zones, the World Bank’s AGILE project expanding girls’ education, and GAVI’s vaccination campaigns reducing child mortality. However, challenges persist, including regulatory bottlenecks, funding constraints, insecurity in conflict-affected regions, and corruption within some organisations. These constraints limit the scale, effectiveness, and sustainability of NSA interventions and, if unaddressed, risk creating service gaps that could be exploited by violent groups, undermining national security. The study concludes that NSAs are indispensable to Nigeria’s development trajectory and recommends streamlining regulatory frameworks, diversifying funding sources through public-private partnerships, improving security for NSA operations, enhancing government, NSA collaboration, and strengthening accountability mechanisms. These measures will ensure that NSA contributions are sustained, coordinated, and aligned with national development priorities while mitigating threats to national security.
Keywords
Non-State Actors (NSAs), Socio-economic development, National security and Nigeria).
Citations
IRE Journals:
James Elijah Akachi
"The Role of Non-State Actors in The Socio-Economic Development of Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 3 2025 Page 1610-1618
IEEE:
James Elijah Akachi
"The Role of Non-State Actors in The Socio-Economic Development of Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(3)
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