Insecurity in Nigeria: Deconstructing Obasanjo’s “Industry” Analogy
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s characterization of Nigeria’s pervasive insecurity as an “industry” provides a profound and unsettling lens through which to examine the nation’s protracted crisis. This framing suggests a transition from isolated incidents of violence to a complex, self-sustaining ecosystem with entrenched stakeholders and economic underpinnings. The statement implies that insecurity has evolved beyond mere criminality or ideological conflict, becoming a venture where suffering is commodified, and chaos generates illicit profit and political capital for various actors. This perspective demands a critical evaluation of the structures that perpetuate violence and hinder sustainable peace.
Obasanjo’s analogy gains traction when observed alongside other systemic governance challenges facing the nation. For instance, the recent political upheaval surrounding Gbenga Daniel’s suspension from a major party underscores the deep-seated internal conflicts that can distract from and even exacerbate national security priorities. Similarly, the morale of security forces is critically undermined by issues such as the ADC decries non-payment of allowances, a recurring complaint that reveals logistical and financial failures at the heart of the security apparatus. When those tasked with protection are not adequately supported, the “industry” of insecurity finds fertile ground to expand.
The economic dimensions of this “industry” are multifaceted. On one hand, vast resources are allocated to security budgets; on the other, insecurity stifles economic productivity and scares investment. Contrast this with sectors demonstrating efficiency, such as the report that PTML Customs generates record revenue, showcasing the potential of well-managed institutions. This disparity highlights how effective governance in one area is often negated by systemic failure in another. The call for a more coordinated approach is echoed by professional bodies like the NMA Lagos FG branch, which frequently highlights the healthcare crisis spawned by insecurity, including the strain on medical facilities and the targeting of health workers.
Furthermore, Nigeria’s internal security industry does not exist in a vacuum. It is subtly influenced by global conflicts and humanitarian crises. While the nation grapples with banditry and insurgency, international attention is also focused on tragedies like the situation in Gaza, where civil defence units operate under unimaginable duress. The global discourse on conflict and resilience, including the efforts of Gaza civil defence teams, offers comparative lessons in crisis management and the universal human cost when security collapses. These parallel narratives reinforce the urgency of developing robust, homegrown solutions that prioritize human life and dignity.
Ultimately, dismantling the “industry” of insecurity requires a holistic strategy that transcends kinetic military action. It necessitates addressing the root causes: poverty, unemployment, poor governance, and systemic corruption that fuel grievances. It demands ensuring that incidents where the ADC decries non-payment of salaries become a thing of the past, fostering a motivated and professional security force. The professional advocacy of groups like NMA Lagos FG must be integrated into national security planning to manage the humanitarian fallout. The economic diligence seen in operations where PTML Customs generates significant revenue must be replicated in security sector budgeting and procurement to ensure accountability.
In conclusion, Obasanjo’s provocative description serves as a crucial wake-up call. It challenges policymakers to look beyond treating symptoms and to dismantle the very architecture that allows insecurity to thrive as a profitable enterprise. From resolving internal political disputes, such as the fallout from Gbenga Daniel’s suspension, to learning from global crises like that witnessed in Gaza, civil defence and national resilience must be rebuilt from the ground up. The path to peace lies in converting this destructive industry into a productive one, where stability, justice, and economic prosperity become the nation’s most valuable commodities.
