Local Government and Grassroots Peacebuilding in Nigeria: A Framework for Conflict Mitigation
- Amakiri Victory
- Federal Ministry of Solid Mineral Development
This study examined framework for effective conflict mitigation through the role of local governments in grassroots peacebuilding in Nigeria. Specifically, the study examines the role of local governments in addressing resource-based, ethnic, and religious conflicts, analyzes the impact of corruption, governance limitations, and capacity deficits on peacebuilding efforts, and explores the integration of traditional conflict resolution practices with formal mechanisms. Guided by John Burton’s Human Needs Theory, which emphasizes that unmet basic human needs are the root cause of most conflicts, the study highlights the importance of addressing issues like security, identity, and participation in fostering peace and stability. Employing a qualitative research design, the study relied on secondary data, including government reports, scholarly articles, and media sources. Thematic analysis was used to identify patterns and themes, revealing critical findings. Local governments play a vital but constrained role in grassroots peacebuilding, undermined by financial limitations, political interference, and weak institutional capacities. Corruption, limited autonomy, and governance inefficiencies further hamper their effectiveness in resource allocation, trust-building, and conflict resolution. However, integrating traditional conflict resolution practices with formal mechanisms enhances grassroots peacebuilding by leveraging cultural legitimacy and community buy-in. The study concludes that systemic challenges like corruption and political interference must be addressed to strengthen local governance. It recommends enhancing financial autonomy, promoting transparency, and integrating traditional conflict resolution practices to foster sustainable peace. This research contributes to knowledge by proposing a cohesive framework for grassroots peacebuilding, emphasizing cultural and institutional integration.