IMPERATIVE OF CONFLICT MANAGEMENT FOR DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA: A REFLECTION ON GOOD GOVERNANCE

Abstract

Conflict is said to be negative because it stagnates the society in terms of developmental
effort. Objective: the study highlights factors and conditions that generate conflict in Nigeria
society which among others include: Plural and diverse settings such as diversity in the area
of religion, ethnicity, culture, religion and the imperative of good Governance in conflict
Management for Development in Nigeria. Methodology: A qualitative design was adopted
using the documentary method of data collection and Documentary analysis was the tool
employed. Findings: The paper found among others that, the major causes of conflict in the
society particularly Nigeria where processes of resource generation and distribution,
leadership, feeling of exclusion and marginalization and Disagreement over values and
breakdown from a good administration. Recommendations: The study recommends that
conflict should not be viewed as evil by the society, but rather should be seen as agent of
change because through conflict opinions are shared, government inability to provide for
mass interest is expressed, and for proper management of the Biafra agitation resurgence in
the south east geopolitical zone not to degenerate into open violence and animosity (war),
there is a need for restructuring to preserve the unity of this nation due to our level of political
exposition and behavioural propensity of religious and ethnic identity, and Good governance
that enables political development and legal environment of the economic growth and
equitable distribution of resources in providing basic, essential and its social function,
effectively manage and suppresses conflict if not resolve it.