...to improve security, the economy and human welfare?

Nigeria has the largest economy on the continent but its development receives little attention in the global debate on international security, economic development and humanitarian issues. The country, however, faces many difficulties. These were discussed at a conference of the Africa Security Initiative at the Brookings Institution on 29 February. Participants focused on three major challenges: falling oil prices, which limit the government's capacity to act; the Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast of the country, resulting in a humanitarian crisis; and the persistently high level of corruption, which hinders the implementation of reforms. To resolve these problems, the government should increase investment in non-oil sectors and social services, while accelerating the reforms needed to improve governance and security. It could build on the success of the peaceful political transition achieved last year with the election of President Muhammadu Buhari. According to participants, there is good reason to believe that the country, despite these difficulties, is on the right track.

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