Integrated Rural Development via Inclusive Tourism Development as a measure for entrenching National Peace and Security

Nigeria is presently facing a myriad of security challenges ranging from insurgency, terrorism, banditry and kidnapping in the Northern parts to ritual killings, cult clashes, armed robberies, militancy and kidnapping in the Southern parts. Over the years, there has been much advocacy for stepping up efforts towards integrated rural development in order to fast-track economic growth and development in Nigeria. This rural development is best done sustainably as enshrined in the SDGs. This study explores how the current Nigerian challenges of insecurity and terrorism can be addressed by the concept and implementation of inclusive tourism development which acts as a catalyst to integrated rural growth and development. Archival research comprising documentary secondary data was adopted for the study. Findings indicate that tourism is a potent sector that is capable of achieving all the 17 SDGs which catalyse integrated rural development. Such developments in turn foster national peace and security. This study will be of interest to academic researchers having affinity for tourism cum development studies as well as policy makers seeking for ways to improve the economy and promote peace and security.