Territoriality and Territorial Conflict in North Central Nigeria: Implication for National Development
Adah, Paul Danladi & Joy Anwuli Jegede
Department of Urban and Regional Planning,
Federal Polytechnic, Idah. Kogi State
Email: adahproject@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
The research is on the concept of territoriality and
Territorial conflict in Nigeria; and its implications for national
development. The objective of the study is to examine the concept of
territoriality and its impacts on development. A qualitative approach was
adopted for the study. The data collected for the study were from
secondary sources and were analysed using content analysis. The finding of the study shows that the concept of territoriality has both positive and
negative tendencies. That conflict arises when a particular space (land) is
contested by an intruder laying claim to land and its resources. Resistance
in defence of the claim results in a dispute over territorial space. The
study shows that the impact of herdsmen’s activities inflicting injuries and
death is higher compared to other perpetrators of violent attacks. In
conclusion, no nation can develop in crisis and confusion; therefore, the
urban planning approach can be adopted in resolving the claim and
counterclaim through territorial planning. The secularity of Nigeria’s state
and federal system of government provides avenues for territorial
planning. The paper, therefore, recommends territorial planning in
resolving the conflict. Keywords: Conflict, Ethnic, Territorial, Territoriality, Territorial Planning and Nations Development
