Timber Smuggling and Socio-Economic Development in Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31150/ajshr.v5i2.2661Keywords:
Timber smuggling, trans-border crime, criminality and theoretical perspectivesAbstract
This research investigates the phenomenon of trans-border crime specifically in the context of wood smuggling across international boundaries. Coordinated cross-border operations encompassing various illegal activities such as illicit timber trade, human trafficking, money laundering, drug trafficking, arms smuggling, trafficking of human body parts, advanced fee fraud, identity theft, passport trafficking, racketeering, maritime piracy, counterfeiting of intellectual property, cross-border terrorism, illegal oil smuggling, illicit diamond trade, corruption, and other related offences. The international community is increasingly concerned about trans-border criminal organisations and ambitious kleptocratic governments functioning worldwide. The actions of these illicit individuals have a significant impact on our collective security, the natural surroundings, the stability of whole areas and economies, as well as the future advancement in countering the loss of public confidence and fundamental democratic principles. The research used the alien conspiracy model (ACM) and queer ladder theory (QLT) as the theoretical framework. The study employs a qualitative research style, relying heavily on secondary data sources such as textbooks, academic publications, newspapers, and internet resources. The research found that governments worldwide are all targets of organised crime, which operates via a highly decentralised structure known as the patron-client system. It is imperative for governments in the West African sub-region, as well as the rest of the globe, to implement synchronised and comprehensive policies to combat these crimes, regardless of their occurrence locations. The study suggests that the governments of the West African sub-region and Nigeria should focus on enhancing their governance capacity, providing support to dedicated reformers, and empowering citizens to oversee public functions and demand accountability from leaders in terms of ensuring safety, delivering effective public services, and efficiently utilising public resources. Additionally, it emphasises the importance of implementing robust law enforcement strategies and fostering collaboration through public-private partnerships.
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