By Mercy Aikoye
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has stressed the need for Nigeria to adopt non-military approaches to address the country’s growing insecurity challenges. Speaking at a workshop in Abuja, Abbas emphasized the importance of dialogue and other non-kinetic strategies in combating insecurity.
Abbas highlighted Nigeria’s significant investment in military operations over the past two decades, with billions of dollars allocated to national security. He noted that the 2024 federal budget allocated N3.25 trillion, representing 12% of the national budget, to defence and security.
Despite acknowledging the strategic advantages of a military approach, Abbas emphasized the need for a paradigm shift towards addressing the root causes of insecurity. He advocated for a more cost-effective and sustainable strategy, prioritizing investments in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Abbas cited the examples of Rwanda and Kenya, which have successfully utilized non-kinetic strategies to diminish the allure of extremist ideologies while fostering national reconciliation and stability. He emphasized that such investments would not only mitigate insecurity but also foster long-term national stability and development.
The Speaker also emphasized the critical role of community policing in fostering collaboration between law enforcement agencies and local communities to effectively tackle security challenges. He noted that the Police Act of 2020 enshrines community policing as a vital strategy for addressing insecurity.
Abbas announced the establishment of a new Standing Committee on Peacebuilding and Social Cohesion within the Nigerian House of Representatives. The committee aims to formulate policies that promote peace and stability, positioning it as the first of its kind in Nigeria and potentially across Africa.
The Speaker expressed gratitude to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for its invaluable support in the creation of the committee. The announcement was made during a workshop organized in collaboration with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung.
Marija Peran, the Resident Representative of Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), commended the Speaker for his leadership in initiating the workshop. She expressed gratitude for the continued partnership with KAS, stating that the organization is deeply appreciative of the opportunity to collaborate once again.
Peran emphasized the importance of non-kinetic approaches, which prioritize addressing the root causes of conflict and promoting sustainable peace. She noted that economic development plays a crucial role in addressing insecurity, highlighting that poverty and unemployment often serve as breeding grounds for extremist ideologies.
By fostering economic opportunities, especially in vulnerable regions, Nigeria can offer alternatives to violence and diminish the allure of terrorist groups. Abbas’s call for a paradigm shift towards non-military approaches is a step in the right direction.
The Speaker’s emphasis on community policing and the establishment of the Standing Committee on Peacebuilding and Social Cohesion demonstrate his commitment to addressing the root causes of insecurity.
Abbas’s leadership in initiating the workshop and his partnership with organizations such as the UNDP and KAS demonstrate his dedication to finding sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s insecurity challenges.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with insecurity, Abbas’s call for a paradigm shift towards non-military approaches offers a glimmer of hope for a more peaceful and stable future.
