A Nigerian Security expert, Dr Charles Omole, has called on the Nigerian government to continue leveraging technology to enhance the safety and protection of lives and property across Nigeria.
He made this appeal while delivering the 17th Distinguished Public Lecture at the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) on Friday.
Speaking on the topic ‘Strengthening National Development Through Effective Security in Nigeria’, Dr Omole commended the ongoing transition from analogue to digital security operations.
“Smart surveillance, data-driven policing, and cybersecurity can help prevent threats from escalating – whether they relate to resource control, banditry, kidnapping, or cybercrime,” he said.
He emphasised that sustainable development in Nigeria hinges on a robust and strategic approach to security, which is crucial for long-term national stability.
Dr Omole also underscored the need for institutional reform, stating that corruption and inefficiency continue to undermine the country’s security architecture and broader governance.
“Good governance must be more than rhetoric; it must be demonstrated through transparency, adherence to the rule of law, and accountability that leads to genuine national advancement,” he stated.
Highlighting the role of unity in combating insecurity, he remarked that national cohesion fortifies a country’s resilience, while division renders it more susceptible to enduring threats.
“This requires targeted investments in education, economic opportunities, and initiatives that promote integration across ethnic and religious lines,” he added.
He further noted that real security extends beyond combating threats to fostering an environment where citizens can live, work, and invest without fear.
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“Security is the silent backbone of prosperity – the unseen force behind every successful development journey.
“As Nigeria charts its path forward, it must remember: a secure nation safeguards not only its borders but the aspirations of its people,” he concluded.
In his remarks, the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Mr Miller Dantawaye, echoed Dr Omole’s position, stressing that security is fundamental to national development.
He explained that security provides the necessary foundation for economic growth, investment, and the overall welfare of citizens nationwide.
Dantawaye added that enhanced security improves quality of life, enabling people to work, build, and thrive without living in constant fear.
He called on the public to support and collaborate with the police and other security agencies in building a safer, more investment-friendly environment.
