Nigeria security and governance challenges

Academic experts in Nigeria have raised concerns regarding the country’s multifaceted security landscape, emphasizing that structural reforms and social development are necessary to address instability.

Professor of Criminology Etannibi Alemika cautioned that the establishment of state police may not resolve insecurity unless paired with improved governance. He argued that fundamental threats to human security include unemployment, poverty, inequality, and inadequate healthcare. Alemika further warned that state-controlled police could exacerbate crises if governors exert undue influence over institutions, suggesting instead a focus on better coordination among existing security providers.

In a related development, Professor Felix Kolawole Salako warned that banditry and the activities of herdsmen are creating risks of food scarcity, as farmers are often forced to harvest crops prematurely to avoid destruction. Additionally, Professor Aderemi Alarape argued that the federal government must move beyond purely military approaches to address insurgency. He proposed integrating behavioral and psychological insights into public policy to tackle the root causes of radicalization and social conflict.