RELIGIOUS CONFLICT AND DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA: THE PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

This paper discussed the role of religion in conflict zones around the world and how religious conflicts constitute an increasing share of violent conflicts today, resulting in stunted development. For many individuals and groups, religious beliefs give the moral ammunition to justify and carry out violence.The paper expresses religious conflict as an inhibiting factor in Africa's development, by looking at the steady increase of armed conflicts with religious overtones in countries like Mali, Nigeria, and Somalia in subSaharan Africa in recent years. Qualitative data from secondary literature, and utilize conflict theory.This paper reveals that incessant religious conflict in Africa has resulted in the loss of great human lives and the destruction of natural resources, thus dwindling the rate of development.The paper concludesthat only when the root of religious conflicts, which often stems from religious discrimination can be effectively tackled then there will be room forsustainable development.