Nigeria, as a developing nation, is beset by certain contemporary issues and uncalled social happenings that are currently affecting many people in the society and pose outsized challenges that undermine our society’s values. These social vices which continue to attract more and more people, is contrary to the accepted norms and values of today’s society. They are situations and attitudes that impede the progress of our society and make the community members feel insecure and uncomfortable.
Among these social issues that have become serious problems in our society in Nigeria include fraudulent acts, drug abuse, ritual killing, adverse impact of science and technology, poverty, examination malpractice, kidnapping, prostitution, inequality, ethnic diversity’s menace, terrorism, and brain drain syndrome among others. Of all, the most intrusive and destructive to our society is the menace of the country’s ethnic diversity. The 2023 election period was a particularly vivid example of this trend, with individuals posting bigotry remarks towards each other on social media which spread virally.
Prostitution is increasingly seen as a viable means of subsistence.
Not only does this act incite violence, but it also severely erodes Nigeria’s unity standard, which has long been the country’s bedrock. It has also fueled inequality among individuals, with some citizens receiving preferential treatment while some skirt the law, which runs counter to Section 17 of Nigeria’s constitution, which outlines the eradication of such demographically-based inequalities. Over the time, science and technology have been both a boon and a bane to the development of human society; it’s a two way traffic affair.
Technology advancement over the years has paved an easy pathway for engaging in fraudulent acts. “Yahoo”, as the practice of fraud is called in Nigeria, is rampant among young people as a means to quick riches. From a different vantage point, prostitution is another one of today’s prevalent social issues. It is increasingly seen as a viable means of subsistence, especially among young women and students, who are often the victims of the “Hookup” trend. This is at least in part attributable to the widespread poverty throughout the country.
The country as one of the world’s highest terrorism threat levels.
Drug abuse is also on the rise in Nigeria with many substances now being abused among which are weed, tramadol, colorado, codeine among others. Mostly the youths who consumed this substances have become addicted and this trend is locally referred to as “on colos”. Lately, Nigerians are found engaging in ritual killings, done by those desperately in search of sudden wealth. The increasing rate of ritual killings in Nigeria is indicative of dwindling state control and citizens’ frantic pursuit of financial stability.
Talking about terrorism, its lingering effects has claimed the lives of many Nigerians. Terrorist operations by groups like Boko Haram and the Fulani extremists are still happening, especially in the north. Amidst all this, it’s no surprise that Nigeria has one of the world’s highest terrorism threat levels and, most recently, it recorded the ninth highest number of individuals killed in terrorist acts globally, after Afghanistan. Ultimately is the brain drain syndrome which Nigerian experts leave the country in search of better opportunities abroad. The weakening and decline of the national economy is a major contributor to this.
There is a need to address the issues to deter further implications.
While all these issues are condemnable, they took a toll to trend among the people in our society as time passes. However, considering the substantial adverse impact these vices pose to our society at large, there is an exigent need to address it in order to deter any further implications on our societal development. These can be done by implementing strategic policies and organizing sensitization campaigns to enlighten people on detrimental effects it brings about.
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