Justice for the Poor in Nigeria from the Perspective of Human Rights and Christian Social Teaching in the Face of Global Insecurity

Abstract

The paper titled Justice for the Poor in Nigeria from the Perspective of Human Rights and Christian Social Teaching in the face of global insecurity investigates the nature, causes, and effects of extreme poverty in Nigerian society. Poverty is here defined as the lack of the basic necessities for existence and for a meaningful life. Poverty is widespread with millions of Nigerians living below the poverty line. Unemployment is high, with many people out of work each year, illiteracy is a major problem, with millions of school children out of school and the mortality rate is high. This situation of abject poverty has brought indignity to the lives of many in Nigeria. Poverty is an assault on human dignity. Its existence has engendered many other forms of unwanted behaviours in society. If anything is not done to ameliorate the situation, it can lead to a serious social problem in the country. The problem of poverty in Nigeria is usually discussed, and solutions are sought from political and economic angles as the reviewed literature has revealed. This work looks at the problem from the human rights perspective and Christian social teaching. The work employs descriptive-sociological and philosophic-theological methods in its data analysis and interpretation. The available data suggest that the problem has its roots in the unethical behaviour of the leaders of the people. The government has not done enough to ensure an all-inclusive society that respects the rights of every citizen. Rather, it has continued to maintain an unjust and asymmetrical power relational structure which has continued to impoverish the people. There is the denial of rights of the people by the leaders who are supposed to see to their protection and well-being. They are simply excluded from the scheme of things in the national discussion. All stakeholders, especially the government, have the onus to ensure an inclusive society by prioritizing every citizen’s dignity and good life by investing in critical areas of education, healthcare, job creation, and improving basic infrastructure.