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Speaker Abbas Advocates Non-Kinetic Solutions to Nigeria’s Insecurity
By Gloria Ikibah
As Nigeria grapples with an rapidly increasing security crisis, the Speaker House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, has called for a paradigm shift in how the nation addresses the root causes of violence.
Speaker Abbas who stated this at a high-level workshop held in Abuja, called for non-kinetic strategies alternatives to military force as essential tools for fostering long-term peace and stability.
Abbas emphasised that while military operations are necessary, they should not be Nigeria’s sole approach to combating insecurity.
Drawing lessons from countries like Rwanda and Kenya, where non-kinetic strategies have mitigated violence and fostered national reconciliation, he advocated for dialogue, economic empowerment, and community engagement as key elements of a sustainable security framework.
“Relying solely on force risks treating symptoms rather than addressing the underlying causes of insecurity,” Abbas said.
He pointed to programs such as ‘Operation Safe Corridor’, which rehabilitates and reintegrates former insurgents, as evidence that alternative approaches can yield positive results.
Speaker Abbas also highlighted the financial burden of Nigeria’s security challenges.
Over the past two decades, trillions of naira have been spent on military operations, with N3.25 trillion 12% of the 2024 national budget allocated to defence and security alone. While acknowledging the necessity of these expenditures, the Speaker argued for a more cost-effective approach: investing in education, healthcare, and infrastructure to address the socioeconomic conditions that fuel unrest.
“Education and economic development are as critical to security as weapons and military personnel,” Abbas stated.
According to Abbas, one non-kinetic measure that has already shown promise in Nigeria is community policing, enabled by the Police Act of 2020. He described it as a key strategy in bridging the gap between law enforcement and local communities. By building trust and empowering citizens, community policing helps foster safer neighborhoods where residents actively participate in securing their environment.
In a landmark announcement, Abbas unveiled the creation of a Standing Committee on Peacebuilding and Social Cohesion in the House of Representatives. Tasked with developing policies to promote peace and stability, the committee will be the first of its kind in Nigeria and possibly Africa.
He commended the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for supporting the initiative and pledged the commitment of the House to advancing sustainable security solutions.
The workshop, organized in collaboration with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), brought together stakeholders from the security sector, intelligence agencies, and civil society.
Resident Representative of KAS, Marija Peran, extolled Speaker Abbas for his leadership and vision in hosting the event.
“It was Mr. Speaker himself who initiated this very important event, and KAS is proud to partner on this initiative,” Peran said.
She underscored the importance of addressing the root causes of insecurity, arguing that military solutions alone cannot resolve Nigeria’s complex security challenges.
Peran outlined several non-kinetic strategies, including economic development, education, and good governance, and emphasised that poverty and unemployment create fertile ground for extremist ideologies, making economic empowerment a crucial component of any long-term security plan.
“By creating jobs and supporting small businesses, especially for women and youth, we can provide alternatives to violence and reduce the appeal of terrorist groups,” she said.
Education, too, emerged as a critical tool in combating insecurity, Peran therefore called for increased access to quality education in conflict-prone areas, noting that an educated population is less likely to be swayed by extremist ideologies.
“This includes vocational training and civic education that promote tolerance and understanding,” she added.
Good governance and transparency were also identified as essential. According to Peran, corruption and mismanagement undermine efforts to address insecurity, eroding trust between the government and its citizens. She called for stronger institutions and adherence to the rule of law to build a foundation for sustainable peace.
Peran urged legislators to take an active role in advancing non-kinetic strategies. “The legislature has a crucial role to play in shaping policies, allocating resources, and holding the executive accountable,” she said.
As the workshop concluded, Abbas reaffirmed his commitment to seeking innovative solutions that not only address immediate security threats but also tackle their root causes.
“Our focus must be on building a Nigeria where peace and stability are the norm, not the exception,” he declared.
With the formation of the Peacebuilding and Social Cohesion Committee and the continued collaboration of key stakeholders, Nigeria may be on the brink of a new chapter in its fight against insecurity one where dialogue, development, and trust take center stage.
…eulogizes late Onanuga, ex-speaker Bankole’s mother
By Gloria Ikibah
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, CON, has described the late Deputy Chief Whip, Rt. Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, as an irreplaceable parliamentarian known for her vocal nature and friendly disposition.
Leading a delegation on behalf of the Speaker, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, Kalu visited Sagamu, Ogun State, on a condolence mission to the late Onanuga’s family.
Addressing the bereaved, he praised her dedication and influence, noting her unique presence in plenary sessions and unwavering support for her colleagues.
Kalu consoled her mother, Chief Mrs. Comfort Folashade Etutu, and her children, urging them to trust in God for comfort and strength. He assured the family of the House’s continued support and prayed against further untimely deaths in the household.
Earlier, Kalu led the delegation to Abeokuta for the fidau prayers of the late Mrs. Monsurat Atinuke Bankole, mother of former House Speaker Rt. Hon. Dimeji Bankole.
He lauded her sacrifices, which contributed to the success of her children, including the former Speaker’s contributions to the National Assembly.
By Gloria Ikibah
The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has described the N800 billion allocated to his ministry in the proposed 2025 budget as grossly insufficient to address Nigeria’s growing road infrastructure needs.
Umahi stated this during the 2025 budget defence session held on Friday by the House Committee on Works, chaired by Rep. Akin Alabi.
Speaking candidly, Umahi called for an upward review of the ministry’s budgetary allocation, stressing that the current figure would barely make a dent in the nation’s road development agenda.
“We plead with you to help us. N800 billion cannot do anything for us. It cannot address our road needs, and so we plead with you to help us,” the Minister told the lawmakers.
Umahi who emphasised the importance of adequate funding to complete ongoing projects and initiate critical new ones across the country, also stressed that borrowing was a necessary step to bridge the infrastructure gap and stimulate economic growth.
The Minister underscored the potential economic impact of infrastructure development, stating that it would create jobs and boost local economies.
“When the nation is in recession, you have to borrow money and invest in infrastructure. That is how you emerge from a recession. Infrastructure is a catalyst for economic activities, and this hunger we talk about will become a thing of the past,” he explained.
“Food sellers, sand suppliers, gravel workers, and others will benefit. Support Mr. President, and let’s borrow money to build infrastructure so Nigeria can be great again,” he added.
In response, Chairman of the Committee, assured Umahi that the committee would summon the Minister of Finance and the Head of the Budget Office to clarify the rationale behind the ministry’s limited allocation.
The session also provided an opportunity for the Minister to address lawmakers’ concerns about the state of roads nationwide, with assurances that the government remains committed to completing ongoing projects.
By Gloria Ikibah
The National Assembly Joint Committee on Interior has suspended the budget defence of the Federal Fire Service (FFS) following significant discrepancies in the agency’s 2024 budget performance and 2025 proposal.
At a hearing chaired by Senator Adams Oshiomhole and his counterpart from the House, Chaired by Abdullahi Aliyu Ahmed, lawmakers flagged irregularities, including contradictory figures and inadequate documentation.
The committee uncovered discrepancies in the procurement of firefighting trucks, with similar units priced at N1.5 billion in one instance and N2.5 billion in another, despite being from the same supplier and of identical specifications.
The FFS Controller General, Jaji Abdulganiyu Idris, attributed the difference to variations in tanker sizes but failed to provide adequate supporting documentation.
Senator Oshiomhole criticized the inconsistencies, stating, “This reeks of over-padding or over-invoicing. Your written submission does not align with your explanation, and we cannot overlook this.”
Lawmakers also raised concerns about unclear contract commitments and an outstanding payment of N603 billion for ongoing projects, which lacked proper specifications.
Oshiomhole emphasized fiscal responsibility, saying, “Every N10 wasted by MDAs adds up. Our duty is to ensure that every naira benefits Nigerians, especially the poor.”
The committee further queried the FFS over unverified revenue remittances. Idris presented manual receipts as evidence, but the lawmakers rejected them, demanding proper bank statements and confirmation from the Accountant-General’s office.
As a result, the committee stepped down the FFS budget defence, instructing the agency to rectify its submission. Oshiomhole warned, “Submit a revised presentation with accurate figures, or risk zero allocation in 2025.”
The decision underscores the lawmakers’ commitment to accountability and efficient use of public funds, urging the FFS to address the issues promptly to secure its funding.
Kalu Leads House Delegation to Ogun for Condolence Visit
N800bn Inadequate for Nigeria’s Road Projects, Minister Umahi Tell Lawmakers
NASS Joint Committee Suspends Fire Service Budget Over Irregularities
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