Security
Awuzie Urges Collective Action on Nigeria Security
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.
