Awuzie Urges Collective Action on Nigeria Security

By Jamila Muhammad

Convener of the Nigerian People’s Strategic Conference and Defence Exhibition 2026, Dr Charles Awuzie, has called for greater collaboration among government institutions, private sector players, technology innovators and citizens in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, insisting that national security is a collective responsibility.

Speaking at the opening of the conference in Abuja on Saturday, Awuzie described the gathering as more than a routine event, saying it was a national conversation aimed at shaping a safer and more secure future for Nigeria.

He said the conference was conceived as a platform where stakeholders from diverse sectors could exchange ideas and develop practical solutions for building a modern, coordinated and effective security architecture.

According to him, the initiative was born out of a need to encourage honest discussions about security innovation, intelligence support, local defence manufacturing, investment opportunities, community safety, and public-private partnerships.

“This is not just another conference. It is a patriotic conversation about the future of our country. We believe that no challenge confronting Nigeria is greater than our collective determination to overcome it,” he said.

Awuzie revealed that the journey toward organising the conference was not without hurdles; he noted that concerns and misconceptions initially surrounded the initiative. However, he said the organisers remained committed to their vision by engaging relevant stakeholders and respecting institutional processes.

He explained that what initially began as a discussion around private security eventually evolved into a broader national platform known as the Nigerian People’s Strategic Conference and Defence Exhibition, reflecting a commitment to inclusiveness and national engagement.

The convener announced that the conference would now become an annual event dedicated to strategic dialogue on security and national development.

Emphasising the impact of insecurity on all segments of society, Awuzie said security concerns affect farmers, traders, students, entrepreneurs, traditional rulers, religious leaders and investors alike, making it imperative for every Nigerian to be involved in finding solutions.

“Government institutions and security agencies cannot solely handle national security discussions. ” Every Nigerian has a role to play because security affects us all,” he stated.

He stressed that the conference was not designed to compete with government agencies or undermine existing institutions but rather to complement ongoing efforts by fostering collaboration and bridging gaps across sectors.

The conference, themed “Building a Modern Security Ecosystem: Integrating Private Sector Capacities into Nigeria’s National Security Architecture”, seeks to explore ways of harnessing lawful and legitimate resources available within the private sector to strengthen national security.

Awuzie said the discussions during the event would focus on critical areas, including defence manufacturing, artificial intelligence, surveillance technologies, intelligence gathering, security financing, policy reforms, local production capabilities, and citizen participation in security management.

He expressed gratitude to the Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Retd.), for supporting the initiative in its early stages and believing in its vision despite initial scepticism.

The convener also thanked senators, security chiefs, sponsors, partners and other stakeholders for their contributions toward making the conference a reality.

He urged participants to ensure that deliberations translate into practical outcomes capable of improving Nigeria’s security landscape.

“This conference must not end with speeches. It must generate actionable recommendations, strategic partnerships, and renewed confidence in our collective ability to build a safer nation,” he said.

Awuzie further acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and commitment to strengthening national security and national development.

He concluded by reminding Nigerians that safeguarding the country is a shared obligation that requires the commitment and participation of all citizens.

“The security of Nigeria is not the responsibility of one office, one institution or one individual. It is a shared responsibility that demands the involvement of every Nigerian,” he said.

The conference brought together senior government officials, lawmakers, members of the armed forces, security agencies, diplomats, defence industry experts, private sector leaders and civil society stakeholders to deliberate on the future of Nigeria’s security ecosystem.

Experts Urge Government to Deepen Private Sector Involvement in Security

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

  The Nigerian People’s Strategic Conference and Defence Exhibition 2026 concluded with a strong call for greater private-sector participation in the nation’s security architecture, as stakeholders highlighted key achievements and proposed reforms aimed at strengthening national security.

Delivering the closing remarks, Co-Convener and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Elbroco International Security Company Ltd, Dr Abubakar Muhammed Sani, urged the Federal Government to review existing laws and policies to create more opportunities for private-sector involvement in security operations.

He emphasised that safeguarding the nation should not be left solely to government institutions, stressing that security is a shared responsibility that requires contributions from all sectors of society.

According to him, opening up the security space would enable more Nigerians to deploy their expertise, innovation, and resources toward addressing the country’s growing security challenges.

Dr Sani expressed confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, describing the President as receptive to constructive ideas and stakeholder engagement. He appealed to the government to carefully consider recommendations generated during the conference as part of efforts to enhance national security and accelerate development.

The security expert also advocated stronger government support for indigenous defence manufacturers. He noted that patronising locally produced military equipment and technologies would not only boost domestic capacity but also create employment opportunities and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.

Reflecting on the conference’s accomplishments, Dr Sani said one of its major successes was the establishment of a platform that brought together licensed private security companies, consultancy firms, government agencies, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to exchange ideas and collaborate on common security goals.

He further revealed that discussions at the conference strengthened support for the establishment of state police across the country. While acknowledging that he previously had reservations about the proposal, he said contributions from participants helped reshape his views on the issue.

According to him, potential challenges associated with state policing can be addressed through proper legal and institutional reforms, making it a viable option for improving security at the grassroots level.

Dr Sani also praised the capabilities of Nigerian-owned companies operating within the defence and security sector. He said the exhibition showcased impressive locally manufactured military hardware and security technologies, demonstrating that indigenous firms possess the expertise and capacity to contribute significantly to the country’s defence needs.

He described the exhibition as a testament to the growing potential of Nigeria’s defence industry and called for sustained support to help local companies compete effectively and meet national security demands.

The conference ended with renewed optimism among participants, who expressed hope that the recommendations and partnerships forged during the event would contribute to building a safer and more secure Nigeria.

Nigeria Must Rethink Security Architecture, Kalu Tells Defence Conference

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives,Rt Hon.. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has described the recent passage of the State Police Bill by the House as a historic breakthrough in Nigeria’s quest to strengthen security and address evolving threats across the country.

Speaking at the Nigerian People’s Strategic Conference and Defence Exhibition 2026 in Abuja, Kalu said the bill marked a significant milestone after decades of unsuccessful attempts to decentralise policing in Nigeria.

According to him, the country’s growing population and complex security challenges have made it necessary to rethink existing security structures and embrace reforms capable of delivering faster responses and improved intelligence gathering at the grassroots level.

“The realities of our current security challenges compelled us to rethink existing structures and embrace new approaches,” Kalu stated, adding that state policing would enable security personnel to better understand local communities and respond more effectively to emerging threats.

The Deputy Speaker explained that the bill, which now awaits consideration by the Senate and state legislatures, should be viewed as a national necessity rather than a political agenda.

Beyond legislative reforms, Kalu stressed the importance of non-military approaches to tackling insecurity, noting that poverty, unemployment, poor education, social exclusion, weak governance and declining moral values remain major contributors to instability.

He praised the organisers of the conference for choosing dialogue and engagement over confrontation, describing the gathering as an important platform for generating practical solutions to Nigeria’s security concerns.

Kalu also commended the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd.), for his leadership and commitment to strengthening national security through collaboration and stakeholder engagement.

He paid tribute to members of the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies for their sacrifices in safeguarding the country.

“As Parliament, we remain committed to supporting our security institutions through legislation, oversight and adequate funding,” he said.

The Deputy Speaker further highlighted the role of local government reforms in addressing insecurity, revealing that strengthening local governance remains a key focus of the ongoing constitutional amendment process.

He noted that many security and development challenges originate at the grassroots level and can only be effectively addressed through stronger and more accountable local government structures.

Kalu also called for greater involvement of the private sector in national security, arguing that businesses, technology firms, financial institutions and community development initiatives all play critical roles in preventing crime and fostering stability.

Drawing from the success of the Peace in South East Project (PISE-P), a non-kinetic intervention promoting dialogue and reconciliation, he maintained that lasting peace can only be achieved when communities become active participants in their own security.

Earlier, the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd.), underscored the need for a collaborative approach to national security, describing security as a shared responsibility that extends beyond government institutions.

Speaking on the conference theme, “Building a Modern Security Ecosystem: Integrating Private Sector Capacities into Nigeria’s National Security Architecture,” Musa said modern threats such as terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, cybercrime and attacks on critical infrastructure require coordinated action involving government, communities, civil society and the private sector.

He stressed that criminals often thrive because of local support networks and community silence, urging Nigerians to become more vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies.

The Defence Minister also advocated increased investment in indigenous defence production, technological innovation and public-private partnerships to strengthen Nigeria’s resilience against emerging threats.

According to him, modern technologies such as artificial intelligence, drones, satellite imagery, biometric systems and predictive analytics are transforming global security operations, and Nigeria must harness these tools to improve national security.

The conference brought together policymakers, security experts, industry leaders and stakeholders to explore innovative strategies for building a safer, more secure and prosperous Nigeria.