1.1 Introduction
Economic hardship is defined as a condition in which individuals or households struggle to meet basic needs such as food, shelter, healthcare, and education due to limited financial resources (World Bank, 2022). In Nigeria, economic hardship manifests through high unemployment rates, low income levels, inflationary pressures, and uneven access to social services. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (2023), over 40% of Nigerians live below the poverty line, highlighting the pervasive nature of economic deprivation across both urban and rural areas. These conditions often place immense stress on families and communities, affecting social stability and overall quality of life (National Bureau of Statistics, 2023).
Crime, on the other hand, is broadly defined as any act that violates legal norms and is punishable under the law (UNODC, 2022). As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are significance of the study, scope of work, research hypothesis and questions, limitation of the study and definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Historically, economic hardship in Nigeria is deeply intertwined with the country's political, social, and economic development. Economic challenges have persisted from the colonial era through post-independence, shaped by structural inequalities, governance issues, and fluctuations in global commodity prices. According to Akinwale (2015), the colonial administration established economic systems that prioritized resource extraction for foreign benefit, which left local populations with limited access to wealth and opportunities (Akinwale, 2015).
Economic hardship remains one of the most pressing challenges in Nigeria, affecting millions of households across both urban and rural areas. According to the World Bank (2022), the country experiences persistent high levels of unemployment, inflation, and income inequality, which exacerbate financial instability among citizens. It is reported that over 40% of Nigerians live below the poverty line, struggling daily to meet basic needs such as food, shelter, healthcare, and education (National Bureau of Statistics, 2023). These conditions place significant strain on family structures, social networks, and community wellbeing.
The connection between economic hardship and crime has been a subject of extensive research. Scholars assert that economic deprivation creates an environment in which individuals may be more likely to engage in criminal behavior as a means of survival or social mobility (Adebayo, 2013). Okafor (2011) stated that high youth unemployment contributes to rising property crimes and other illegal activities in urban centers. Similarly, Eze and Onwuka (2018) reported that poverty and limited access to social resources often lead to social unrest and increased criminal tendencies among marginalized groups. On the other hand, some researchers contend that not all economically disadvantaged communities experience high crime rates, suggesting that cultural norms, social cohesion, education, and effective governance mediate the relationship between economic hardship and criminal behavior (UNODC, 2022).
Adepoju (2019) affirmed that addressing crime in Nigeria requires not only law enforcement but also targeted socioeconomic interventions aimed at reducing poverty, improving employment opportunities, and strengthening social welfare systems (Adepoju, 2019). Furthermore, studies have highlighted that crime stemming from economic hardship is not limited to individual acts but may also manifest in organized forms, including fraud, cybercrime, and insurgency activities (Okeke et al., 2020). According to these reports, communities with weak social infrastructure and limited governmental support are more susceptible to such crimes, illustrating the structural dimension of the issue. This study is set against the backdrop of widespread economic challenges in Nigeria and the observed links between deprivation and criminal activities.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that economic hardship is a persistent and deepening challenge in Nigeria, shaped by unemployment, underemployment, rising living costs, income inequality, and limited access to social protection. According to the World Bank, prolonged economic stress weakens social cohesion and heightens vulnerability among populations that already experience exclusion from formal economic systems. In many Nigerian communities, this strain is experienced daily through difficulty meeting basic needs, unstable incomes, and uncertainty about the future.
Within this context, crime is increasingly discussed as a social outcome that is closely linked to economic conditions. Studies reported that economic deprivation is associated with higher exposure to property crimes, violent offenses, and informal survival strategies that fall outside the law, particularly in urban centers and economically marginalized rural areas. The National Bureau of Statistics reported that unemployment and poverty remain significant national concerns, while the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime observed that socioeconomic stressors interact with weak institutions to influence crime patterns.
Furthermore, the relationship between economic hardship and crime in Nigeria remains complex and insufficiently understood in empirical terms. Some communities facing severe poverty do not experience proportionate increases in crime, while others with similar economic profiles show different crime trends. Reported that policy responses often focus on enforcement rather than addressing underlying economic drivers, which limits their effectiveness and sustainability. It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to examine economic hardship and its impact on crime in Nigeria.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of this study is to examine the impact of economic hardship on crime in Nigeria and to assess the effectiveness of existing systems in mitigating this relationship. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To examine the extent to which unemployment and poverty influence criminal activities in Nigeria.
- To analyze the role of social and economic systems in preventing or facilitating crime.
- To identify patterns of crime associated with economic hardship across different communities.
- To propose policy recommendations that strengthen systemic responses to poverty and crime.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- To what extent does unemployment influence crime in Nigeria?
- How does poverty contribute to criminal activities among vulnerable populations?
- In what ways do social and economic systems influence crime prevention?
- What patterns of crime are most associated with economic hardship in Nigerian communities?
- What policy interventions will effectively reduce the impact of economic hardship on crime?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
- H01: There is no significant relationship between economic hardship and the level of crime in Nigeria.
- H02: Economic hardship significantly influences the incidence and patterns of crime in Nigeria.
1.7 Significance of Study
It is believed that at the completion of the study, this research will support law enforcement agencies in targeting the underlying causes of crime rather than only enforcing punitive measures. Also, social workers and NGOs will use the insights to target interventions in high-risk communities.
Furthermore, law enforcement agencies will use the results to implement more effective, preventative crime policies. In addition, communities will benefit from improved awareness and engagement in initiatives that address both economic hardship and crime.
Lastly, academic researchers will use the study to expand the literature on socioeconomic drivers of crime.
1.8 Scope of Study
The study covers the period between 2020 and 2025, analyzing crime trends and economic conditions in Lagos State. It was limited to selected urban communities and relies primarily on data collected from government agencies, social organizations, and community respondents.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
- Initial Cooperation Delay from Respondents: A particular limitation of this work came as a result of the respondent refusal to offer their cooperation at the initial time they were contacted. This contributed in making the success of this research study difficult.
1.10 Definition of Terms
Economic Hardship:
Economic hardship is the inability of individuals or households to meet basic needs due to low income, unemployment, or lack of access to resources (World Bank, 2022). In the Nigerian context, it is often experienced as poverty, inability to afford healthcare, education, and unstable livelihoods.
Unemployment:
Unemployment is the state in which individuals who are capable and willing to work do not have access to paid employment (National Bureau of Statistics, 2023). High unemployment is considered a significant driver of economic hardship and associated criminal behavior.
Poverty:
Poverty is the condition of having insufficient financial resources to meet basic living standards, such as food, shelter, and healthcare (Adepoju, 2019). Poverty is a key factor influencing crime and social instability.
Crime:
Crime refers to acts that violate legal norms and are punishable under the law (UNODC, 2022). It includes theft, robbery, fraud, assault, and other offenses that threaten social order and safety.
Social Systems:
Social systems refer to the structures, institutions, and policies in society that provide welfare, education, security, and employment opportunities (Eze & Onwuka, 2018). Weak social systems exacerbate economic hardship and increase susceptibility to crime.
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