INTERROGATING RELIGION AND HUMAN SECURITY IN NIGERIA

There is a close relationship between religion and human security; that is, issues related to human well being. This is different from security provided by the state. Whereas much attention has been given to violence associated with religious revival, not much has been done in interrogating the relationship between religion and human welfare in Nigeria. Yet religion is a powerful tool that can contribute to human well being and dignity. This work explores the different ways religious groups in Nigeria engage in activities that advance human welfare. This study argues that Nigeria should not underestimate the power of religious organizations as purveyors of human security. Governments overlook both the importance of human security for their populations and the religious groups who could act as allies in securing the welfare of their people. The study offers a variety of theoretical perspectives on the nuanced relationship between religion and human security. With focus on Christianity, the study provides important suggestions to policy makers of how to begin factoring the influence of religion into their evaluation of a population's human security and into programs designed to improve human security in Nigeria.