Abuja: The Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development (SCDDD) has called on the National Security Adviser (NSA) to review the National Security Strategy Document in light of ongoing security challenges across the country. Amb. Sani Bala, the Executive Director of SCDDD, made this appeal during a news conference addressing the state of the nation, held on Thursday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Bala urged both federal and state governments to pursue the establishment of regional security outfits and community policing, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in their operations. The centre also highlighted the need for the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the Interreligious Peace Committee to engage in extensive advocacy against insurgency and religious intolerance.
The SCDDD expressed serious concern over the detrimental impact of insecurity on the nation’s economic and social development, despite the new security strategies being implemented. The organization acknowledged recent positive changes such as the appointment of a new minister of defence, increased security and defence budgets, and high-level diplomatic collaborations. However, it raised alarms about the growing infiltration of terrorists, kidnappers, and bandits into southern states.
Amb. Bala called on the country’s Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary to collaborate in tackling issues of insecurity and systemic corruption. Additionally, he urged the Nigerian elite to demonstrate greater patriotism in the management and utilization of national resources.
In his statements, Bala also encouraged government adherence to democratic principles to ensure lasting peace, security, and economic stability. He emphasized the judiciary’s role in ensuring quick justice delivery to restore public confidence in the legal system.
Acknowledging President Bola Tinubu’s efforts in shuttle diplomacy and the nomination of new diplomatic mission heads, Bala stressed the importance of the Federal Government enhancing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ influence in diplomatic and international affairs. He advocated for a national dialogue before the 2027 elections to reassess the Nigerian Foreign Policy, which has not been reviewed since 1981.