Nigeria's Center(s) of Gravity: A Complex and Violent Operational Environment
Abstract
This paper examines the history and value of the center of gravity concept, and the use of an analysis of the political, military, economic, social, infrastructure, and informational (PMESII) systems to define Nigeria's operational environment and determine Nigeria's current strategic and operational center(s) of gravity. Through a PMESII analysis, the author determined that the president of Nigeria, Yar'Adua, is the country's strategic center of gravity. The Nigerian president has the support of the Nigerian army, which has demonstrated its loyalty to the president by obeying orders to withdraw from the Bakassi peninsula in 2006, and by their continued engagement of the violent militants in the oil-rich Niger Delta. Another critical capability for the president is Nigeria's oil-rich economy, which the author finds to be the country's operational center of gravity. Nigeria's oil and gas production account for 85% of government revenues, 99% of export earnings, and 52% of the country's GDP. The United States imports 11% of its oil from Nigeria, and the Chinese have taken a significant interest in securing oil resources and investments in Nigeria. However, Nigeria's president is facing increasing violence in the Niger Delta, and ethnic and religious clashes with a radical Islamic presence in the Muslim-north of the country.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 28, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA478387
Entities
People
- Michael A. Blessing
Organizations
- United States Army War College