Nigeria’s persistent insecurity challenges, characterized by diverse threats ranging from terrorism and banditry to kidnappings and communal clashes, have become a significant concern for both the government and citizens. A key factor contributing to this escalating insecurity, according to Babajimi Benson, a member of the House of Representatives, is the failure to implement local government autonomy. Benson argues that empowering local governments with financial and administrative independence would significantly enhance the nation’s internal security framework, allowing them to effectively address security challenges at the grassroots level. He emphasizes that local governments, being closest to the communities, are best positioned to implement non-kinetic solutions, such as intelligence gathering, community policing, youth empowerment, and de-radicalization initiatives. The current over-centralization of power and resources at the federal and state levels, he asserts, hampers the efficacy of local governments in tackling security issues peculiar to their respective areas.
The denial of local government autonomy, despite constitutional provisions and presidential directives, has created a vacuum in security management at the local level. This gap has been exploited by criminal elements, leading to the proliferation of insecurity across the country. Benson highlights the importance of local governments in implementing proactive security measures. With financial autonomy, local governments can allocate resources to critical areas like intelligence gathering, which is crucial for preempting security threats and responding effectively to emerging challenges. Furthermore, community policing, which relies on close collaboration between law enforcement agencies and local communities, can be significantly enhanced through empowered local governments, fostering trust and facilitating timely information sharing.
Beyond security measures, autonomous local governments are better positioned to address the root causes of insecurity, such as unemployment and lack of opportunities. By investing in youth empowerment programs, vocational training, and entrepreneurship initiatives, local governments can create avenues for economic growth and reduce the vulnerability of young people to radicalization and criminal recruitment. De-radicalization programs, tailored to the specific needs of each community, can also be effectively implemented at the local level, addressing the ideological underpinnings of extremist groups and promoting peaceful coexistence.
The current system, where state governors exert significant control over local government finances and administration, hinders the effectiveness of these crucial initiatives. This over-centralization not only weakens the national security architecture but also places undue strain on both federal and state governments, forcing them to grapple with security issues that could be more effectively managed at the local level. Benson stresses that empowering local governments is not merely a matter of decentralization but a strategic imperative for enhancing national security.
In addition to advocating for local government autonomy, Benson also calls for the establishment of state police forces under strict constitutional guidelines. He believes that decentralized policing, coupled with empowered local governments, would create a more responsive and efficient security apparatus, capable of addressing community-specific security threats. This multi-pronged approach, encompassing both local government autonomy and decentralized policing, would create a more robust security framework, enabling a more proactive and effective response to the complex security challenges confronting Nigeria. A well-defined constitutional framework for state police forces is crucial to prevent potential abuses of power and ensure their operations align with national security objectives.
The allocation of adequate resources to the defense and security sector is also critical. Benson recommends that Nigeria allocate at least five percent of its annual GDP to defense and security, ensuring sufficient funding for equipment, training, and personnel. This investment, combined with the empowerment of local governments and the establishment of state police, will create a comprehensive and sustainable security strategy, equipping Nigeria with the necessary tools and resources to combat insecurity effectively and build a safer and more secure nation for all its citizens. This holistic approach, combining proactive security measures with initiatives that address the root causes of insecurity, is essential for achieving lasting peace and stability in Nigeria.
