Impact of Oil Subsidy Removal on Crime Rates in Calabar, Cross River State

Adika Diminayun Godspower

doi:10.56201/ijssmr.vol.12no3.2026.pg193.204

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Impact of Oil Subsidy Removal on Crime Rates in Calabar, Cross River State

Adika Diminayun Godspower

Abstract

The removal of oil subsidies in Nigeria, a move aimed at economic reform and fiscal sustainability, has generated significant socio-economic consequences across various states, including Cross River State. In Calabar, the capital city, the policy shift has had a profound impact on the livelihoods of residents, particularly the urban poor which have made many to venture into crime as a coping mechanism. It is in this light that this study aims to examine the impact of oil subsidy removal on Crime rates in Calabar, Cross River State. The research draws upon data from academic journals, government publications, and media reports to establish the correlation between oil subsidy removal and increasing crime rates in Calabar Cross Rivers State. The anomie strain theory was adopted to give an in-depth explanation as to why people indulge in crime. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methods. The research population comprises residents of Calabar, with a sample size of 400 respondents selected through a simple random sampling technique. Data collection involved questionnaires and interviews. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were used to analyze the relationship between oil subsidy removal and crime rates. The findings reveal a significant increase in theft, robbery, and violent crimes following subsidy removal, with economic hardship and unemployment identified as key drivers. The study recommends targeted social interventions and economic support programs to mitigate the adverse effects of subsidy removal on crime rates, informing policy decisions for sustainable economic development and crime prevention.

Keywords

oil subsidy removalcrime ratesanomie strain theoryCalabarCross Rivers State.

References

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Impact of Oil Subsidy Removal on Crime Rates in Calabar, Cross River State

Abstract

Keywords

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