Amnesty programme and skills training among ex-militants in Nigeria

Abstract

Sequel to the realisation that youths champion violence and militancy in the Niger Delta Region, and the resolution of Umar Musa Yar’Aduas’ government to end insecurity, militancy, and youth restiveness in the region, the amnesty programme was declared, with skills training as its major component. This study examined the relationship between amnesty programmes and skills training among ex-militants in the Niger Delta Region, Nigeria. The study used a cross-sectional survey research design. Questionnaires were distributed to 1152 participants purposively selected from communities in Rivers, Delta, and Bayelsa states. Elicited data were analysed using a simple linear statistical tool. The findings of the study reveal that amnesty programmes significantly enabled ex-militant to acquired skills in pipeline installation and repairs. It also shows that amnesty programmes have a positive impact on the ex-militant acquisition of information technology skills. Further result indicates that there is a significant relationship between amnesty programmes and ex-militant acquisition of automobile servicing skills. The study, therefore, concluded on the need for beneficiaries of the amnesty skills training to be supervised by experts in their field and should be provided with professional advice that would help build their confidence in their chosen career.