Former Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr Kayode Egbetokun, has urged the federal and state governments to tackle poverty, unemployment and other governance challenges as part of efforts to address insecurity in Nigeria.
Egbetokun made the call while delivering a keynote address at the 20th International Conference and General Assembly of the Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP), held at Lead City University in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Speaking on the theme, “Security Governance and Global Dynamics,” the former police chief argued that Nigeria’s insecurity cannot be solved through military force alone, stressing that “there is no military solution to the governance problem.”
He called for a strategic redefinition of Nigeria’s security priorities around the everyday needs of citizens, including access to food, employment, healthcare and education.
According to Egbetokun, unemployed and hungry young people can become vulnerable to recruitment by extremist groups, making socioeconomic development an important component of the country’s security strategy.
He maintained that security should not be restricted to the protection of Nigeria’s territorial borders. Rather, it should also cover access to justice, economic opportunities, healthcare, protection from violence and citizens’ confidence that public institutions will treat them fairly.
The former IGP identified the gap between the emergence of security threats and the ability of institutions to respond collectively as one of Nigeria’s major security challenges.
Egbetokun Backs Multi-Level Policing
Egbetokun also called for reforms to Nigeria’s policing architecture, including a constitutionally defined multi-level policing system involving federal, state and community policing.
However, he stressed that the devolution of policing powers to states and local councils must be accompanied by clear rules of engagement, adequate funding and effective accountability mechanisms.
His position comes amid ongoing debates over how Nigeria can strengthen its internal security system and make policing more responsive to local security challenges.
SPSP Raises Concern Over Global Insecurity
Earlier, the President of the Society for Peace Studies and Practice, Prof. Benjamin Aluko, said the international system was facing unprecedented uncertainty, prolonged violent conflicts, ethno-religious tensions, extremism and state fragility.
Aluko said security governance had therefore become central to global efforts to promote peace, justice, human rights, development and social order.
Also speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of Lead City University, Prof. Kabiru Adeyemo, said security encompasses justice, institutional trust, economic opportunities and social inclusion.
Adeyemo noted that weak governance can create conditions for insecurity to thrive, while accountable, inclusive and responsive governance can promote peace.
He further stressed the role of universities in driving social transformation, saying higher institutions have a responsibility to produce problem-solvers, peacebuilders and ethical leaders capable of addressing complex national and global challenges.