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.