Social Consequences of Smuggling on the Indigenes of Idi-Iroko, Nigeria

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume V, Issue VII, July 2021 | ISSN 2454–6186

Social Consequences of Smuggling on the Indigenes of Idi-Iroko, Nigeria

Oyenuga, A. S., Owugah, A
Department of Sociology, Lagos State University, Ojo,Nigeria

Abstract – Much work on smuggling have focused on smuggling as a form of organised crime as well as its economic implications. The study, however, focused on the social consequences of smuggling and its impacts on society using the Idi-Iroko border community as the study’s focal point. The study is exploratory research and data was collected through the qualitative method from officials of the Nigerian Customs Service. Findings from the study show that away from economic consequences, smuggling holds stiff social consequences which negatively impacts society. These include; crime and insecurity, moral decadence, negative attitudes towards education and vocational training, laziness and acceptance of smuggling as a way of life, drug and substance abuse and health challenges.

Keywords- Smuggling, Crime, Violence, Drug Abuse, Morality.

I.INTRODUCTION

Smuggling is a menace that has continuously terrorised the peace, security, stability and the economic and social fabric of societies around the world. The phenomenon is considered as one which significantly undermines economic and social developments in societies where it thrives due to its ability to reduce government revenue and state tax, undermine the growth and development of local industries by flooding local markets with cheap smuggled products, increasing crime rates, insecurity and unemployment among others (Olapegba & Idemudia, 2012; Mamazizi & Rostami, 2016). The prevalence and continued growth of smuggling in several parts of the world, Africa and Nigeria, especially, have become a prime concern for governments, law enforcement agents and concerned stakeholders over decades.
Two significant factors have led to the emergence, sustenance and continued growth of smuggling in Nigeria. These, according to Okoiye and Adebisi (2016), include the protectionist policies of successive Nigerian governments and the continuous demand and preference for imported goods among citizens.

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