LIBRARIES AS CATALYSTS FOR PROMOTING PEACE AND NATIONAL SECURITY FOR SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTIN NIGERIA

Peace and national security in Nigeria have been disrupted severally as a result of political crises, youth restiveness, kidnapping, oil bunkering, agitation for resource control, Boko Haram, insurgency, banditry among others. The attendant effect is the destruction of lives and national resources. To a larger extent, it has brought serious setback to economic, social, political and technological development in the country. Libraries and librarians as custodial of information management and dissemination can contribute effectively toward attaining peace and national security for sustainable economic development. Using conceptual approach this paper examines the role of libraries and librarians in promoting peace and national security to create a level ground for economic activities to thrive in Nigeria, It discusses further how information dissemination, peace education and digital engagement can foster stability and economic growth. The objectives of the paper is to show that libraries and librarians can contribute effectively in the fight against terrorism through propaganda; to stress the need for rightful information provision as crucial tool in promoting peace and security in the country; to x-ray security challenges and its implication on sustainable economic development. It concludes by recommending appropriate measures to curb the menace of insecurity in the country.