Sixteenth International Conference on New Directions in the Humanities

Abstract

This study examines the ethnoreligious conflict effects on the local market of Lagos State, Nigeria with a view toward determining its role in the lives of people in the community. The paper relies on both primary and secondary sources including a structure research questionnaire, books, journals and magazines that deal with religious conflicts and crises in Nigeria. Intractable conflict and political economy theories are blended in our analysis. We argue that inter-religious conflicts in Nigeria defy resolutions and seem unending because they are intractable conflicts, which are sustained largely because they serve the economic interest of certain religious leaders who conceal the economic matrix behind their support. This work recommends that increased awareness should be created to enlighten people on the dangers of these crises in the market place. We suggest government strive to provide laws to protect all citizens against ethno-religious crises. Finally, religious leaders should preach and teach to increase national unity, purity, tolerance, morality, love and honesty to reduce conflicts among religious groups, thereby uniting through dialogue for national development.