Strengthening security as the foundation for Nigeria’s economic progress, by Alheri Gideon Mshelia
Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, continues to grapple with daunting security challenges that directly undermine its development prospects. From terrorism and banditry to kidnappings and communal clashes, insecurity has created ripple effects across the economy, stifling growth, discouraging investment, and deepening poverty. For the nation to achieve sustainable economic progress, addressing these threats must remain a top priority.
The impact of insecurity on Nigeria’s economy is far-reaching. It has resulted in devastating loss of lives and property. Communities are destroyed, families are displaced, and businesses are forced to close, translating into enormous human and economic costs.
In addition, insecurity disrupts day-to-day economic activities. Agriculture—the backbone of Nigeria’s economy—is particularly vulnerable, with farmers often unable to access their lands due to attacks. Similarly, trade and commerce suffer frequent interruptions, weakening productivity and slowing down growth.
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Another key consequence of insecurity is its impact on investment. Both domestic and foreign investors naturally seek stable environments to channel their resources, but persistent unrest creates a climate of uncertainty that discourages capital inflows and limits development opportunities.
Furthermore, the government spends heavily on security operations, stretching limited resources. Funds that should be invested in education, healthcare, and infrastructure are instead redirected to military and security interventions, slowing down development in critical sectors.
Resolving these security issues is essential for creating an enabling environment for economic transformation. One critical step is addressing poverty and unemployment, which fuel crime and unrest. Expanding economic empowerment programmes, creating jobs, and investing in skills development will help reduce the desperation that drives young people toward violent groups. When citizens are economically engaged, the lure of joining criminal gangs or insurgent movements diminishes significantly.
Another equally important measure is strengthening security governance. This requires reforming security institutions, improving intelligence gathering and coordination, and equipping personnel with the training and resources needed to act effectively. Better governance and accountability within security agencies will translate to quicker, more decisive responses to threats and a stronger overall security architecture.
Community engagement must also be considered a crucial pillar of any security strategy. Building trust between local communities and security agencies through grassroots partnerships, dialogue, and community policing fosters cooperation. When citizens feel included and protected, they are more likely to share vital information, collaborate in maintaining peace, and support government initiatives aimed at securing their environment.
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Regional and international cooperation is equally vital. Many of the security threats confronting Nigeria, including terrorism, arms trafficking, and organised crime, are transnational in nature. Close collaboration with neighbouring countries and global partners strengthens border protection and helps to disrupt cross-border criminal networks. Without such partnerships, national efforts remain limited in their impact.
The economic benefits of resolving insecurity are enormous. A safer Nigeria will naturally attract both foreign and domestic investment, enabling new industries to emerge and existing businesses to expand.
Enhanced security also creates an environment where commerce can thrive, agriculture can flourish, and productivity can rise. In addition, reducing the need for excessive security spending allows government resources to be redirected toward development priorities such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
Stability therefore not only promotes peace but also creates fiscal space for long-term growth. It provides the foundation for sustained economic reforms and fosters an environment where human capital can be developed and innovation encouraged. Countries that have achieved economic stability after addressing security challenges prove the connection between peace and prosperity.
Rwanda stands out as an example where post-conflict security reforms and community-based initiatives created a safer environment that contributed to impressive economic growth. Similarly, Ghana’s relative stability has helped it attract foreign investment and achieve steady development over the years. These cases highlight the fact that security is not merely a national concern but a prerequisite for broader economic progress.
Nigeria can achieve the same results. With the right policies, genuine political will, and committed partnerships, the country can overcome its insecurity challenges and lay the foundation for a more stable and prosperous future. The journey will not be easy, but the benefits far outweigh the costs of continued insecurity.
Moving forward, it is essential that Nigeria develops a comprehensive national security strategy that directly tackles the root causes of insecurity while simultaneously strengthening security institutions. This must include a renewed focus on intelligence gathering, better coordination among agencies, and increased investment in training and equipment for security personnel. At the same time, greater engagement with communities will ensure that local populations remain active participants in the quest for peace.
Collaboration with neighbouring states and international partners must also remain a priority. Nigeria cannot operate in isolation in the fight against terrorism and cross-border crime. Shared intelligence, joint operations, and stronger diplomatic ties will strengthen the overall security framework and boost the chances of success.
Conclusively, peace and stability are not just security goals but economic imperatives. Nigeria’s path to prosperity depends on its ability to secure its people, protect its resources, and build an environment where development can truly thrive. Without addressing insecurity, all other economic reforms will remain fragile and unsustainable. Security must therefore be seen as the cornerstone upon which the nation’s long-term growth and stability are built.
Alheri Gideon Mshelia is a student of Mass Communication at the Muhammadu Buhari University of Maiduguri (formerly University of Maiduguri), Borno State.
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