Social Inequality as a Driver of Social Conflicts in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper examines social inequality as a driver of social conflicts in Nigeria, which causes loss of confidence in state institutions and the rise of insurgents. The aim of the study was to examine why the government is not able to respond to the root causes of inequality, which have been fueling an increasing social unrest and violent opposition. The study employed the Relative Deprivation Theory to analyze the disparity between the desires of the society and the real access to resources, which leads to dissatisfaction and conflict. The results showed that elite capture has led to inequality of distribution of wealth and opportunities especially among ethnic and regional groups. This exclusion coupled with the incapacity of the state to resolve socio-economic inequalities has given way to the emergence of insurgence groups like Boko Haram and Niger Delta militants.

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