In a decisive move to confront Nigeria’s escalating insecurity, the Senate has unveiled plans to conduct nationwide consultative engagements with key stakeholders and victims of armed violence across the country’s six geo-political zones.
The initiative, which seeks to uncover the root causes of insecurity and recommend actionable solutions, was announced by Senate Leader and Chairman of the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on National Security Summit, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, during the committee’s inaugural meeting on Wednesday at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
Bamidele emphasized the critical link between security and national development, stating: “No amount of money invested in infrastructure will yield tangible results in the absence of security. Transforming widespread insecurity into lasting peace is at the heart of this summit.”
The 20-member ad-hoc committee, established by the Senate, includes prominent lawmakers such as Senator Tahir Monguno, Senator Abba Moro, Senator Osita Ngwu, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Senator Ahmed Lawan, and Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua. Their mandate is to facilitate inclusive national dialogue and develop strategic policy recommendations to restore peace and stability across the federation.
To ensure a bottom-up approach, Bamidele said the committee will engage directly with communities, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, security agencies, and most importantly, victims of armed violence. He stressed that listening to those on the frontlines of violence is essential to crafting solutions that resonate with local realities.
Highlighting the regional dimensions of the crisis, Bamidele noted the rise in banditry and kidnapping in the North-West, terrorism in the North-East, farmer-herder conflicts in the North-Central, separatist unrest and kidnappings in the South-East, ritual killings in the South-West, and environmental degradation, oil theft, and piracy in the South-South.
He warned that insecurity is spreading into areas once considered stable, citing worsening incidents in Kwara and Benue States.
READ ALSO: Tinubu Signs Tax Laws To Boost Nigeria Economics
Fidelity Bank Joins N1 Trillion Club as Share Price Surge Lifts Market Capitalisation
“The committee is committed to leaving no stone unturned,” Bamidele assured. “We will gather robust ideas and design implementable measures aimed at building a safer and more stable Nigeria.”
He added that the forthcoming National Security Summit will be broad-based and inclusive, drawing insights from military and intelligence agencies, traditional institutions, government bodies, media professionals, and concerned citizens. “Our ultimate goal,” he concluded, “is to guarantee that every Nigerian regardless of region can live in peace and pursue their aspirations without fear.”
