Cabinet Retreat: Evaluating Nigeria's security scorecard

Nigeria's security landscape has been a key focus area for the current administration, with significant investments and initiatives aimed at improving the country's security scorecard. Onyekachi Adekoya, Managing Director of PR24 Nigeria, recently sat down with CNBC Africa to provide a comprehensive assessment of Nigeria's security situation. Adekoya highlighted the complex security challenges facing the country, including the ongoing threat of Boko Haram in the North East, rising cases of kidnapping for ransom, and the spike in violence and killings across various regions. Despite some progress in containing Boko Haram to a certain extent, Adekoya emphasized that the government still has a long way to go in addressing the multifaceted security threats plaguing the nation. One of the key points raised by Adekoya is the need for a coordinated and effective approach to security, particularly in the face of evolving threats. He underscored the importance of enhancing coordination among existing security agencies and highlighted the role of the Office of the National Security Advisor as a critical hub for intelligence and security coordination. However, Adekoya pointed out fundamental flaws in the current structure of the NSA's office, emphasizing the need for a more policy-oriented leadership to drive effective security strategies. Moreover, Adekoya raised concerns about the concept of community policing and its implementation in Nigeria. While acknowledging the potential benefits of community policing in enhancing local security, he expressed reservations about the clarity and coherence of the government's approach to this strategy. Adekoya questioned the viability of the proposed model of community policing constables appointed by the federal government but paid by state governments, highlighting potential conflicts and challenges in its implementation. Looking ahead, Adekoya emphasized the significance of addressing the root causes of insecurity in Nigeria, beyond just reactive measures. He called for a strategic shift towards a service-focused policing approach that prioritizes quality service delivery and community engagement. Adekoya suggested that a specialized agency dedicated to intelligence and security could potentially enhance coordination and effectiveness in addressing the complex security landscape of Nigeria. In conclusion, the assessment of Nigeria's security scorecard reveals a mixed picture of progress and challenges. While efforts have been made to contain threats such as Boko Haram and expand security initiatives, significant gaps remain in addressing the escalating security concerns across the country. Adekoya's insights underscore the need for a holistic and strategic approach to security that addresses the root causes of insecurity and enhances coordination among diverse security agencies.