NIPSS DG blames Boko Haram insurgency, other crimes on bad economy

Prof. Tijani Bande, the Director-General, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru in Jos, says the country’s current security challenges, will disappear if the economy improves.

Mr. Bande made this known at an annual press briefing to herald the 2012 graduation of Senior Executive Course 34 in Kuru on Friday.

According to him, the poor economy is responsible for the high rate of unemployment in the country.

“The problems the country is experiencing are connected to unemployment as youths are losing hope of getting jobs after years of graduation.

“Having a robust and diversify economy is one sure way of peace in the country,’’ he said.

The Boko Haram insurgency is the most serious security challenge confronting Nigeria at this time.

The director-general said that the participants of the course had “deeply reflected’’ on the situation and had understudied other countries with similar experiences.

“They have submitted a proposal to the president on the ways to improve the economy.

“The proposal specifically hinged on the diversification of the economy to shift focus from total dependence on oil to agriculture.’’

The other recommendations included solid minerals development, education, training as well as peace and culture.

He added that most of the recommendations from the institute had found themselves as policies of government and expressed optimism that the recommendations would be treated accordingly.

“During the last three interactions with the president, every recommendation was accepted and we believe that he would do same with this one.’’

Mr. Bande used the occasion to commend journalists for cooperating with NIPSS, noting that the public depends heavily on journalists and teachers in setting agenda for the society.

He, however, urged them to be objective in their reportage, while announcing that 56 participants would be graduating in 2012.