Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, on Monday, called for the adoption of meaningful dialogue and other non-military strategies to address the ongoing insecurity challenges facing the country.
The Speaker made the call while speaking at a workshop in Abuja titled “Strategies for Advancing Non-Kinetic Approaches to Addressing Insecurity and Terrorism in Nigeria.” He emphasized the need for a paradigm shift in tackling extremism and insecurity challenges in the country.
He urged Nigeria to draw lessons from nations like Rwanda and Kenya, which have successfully used non-kinetic strategies to reduce the appeal of extremist ideologies while fostering national reconciliation and stability.
Rep. Abbas stressed the importance of diplomatic dialogue, economic empowerment, psychological interventions, and community-based initiatives as vital components of a sustainable security framework.
He cited examples from countries such as Rwanda and Kenya, where non-kinetic strategies have significantly diminished the appeal of extremist ideologies and fostered reconciliation.
According to Abbas, Nigeria has invested heavily in military operations over the past two decades, with billions of dollars allocated to defense. He revealed that in 2024, N3.25 trillion—12% of the national budget—had been allocated to defense and security. While acknowledging the necessity of military action, he emphasized that a more cost-effective and sustainable approach would be to invest in critical sectors like education, healthcare, and infrastructure—areas that address the root causes of insecurity.
He cautioned that relying solely on force risks treating symptoms rather than addressing the underlying causes of insecurity.
He pointed to successful non-kinetic measures in Nigeria, such as the Operation Safe Corridor program, which focuses on the deradicalization and rehabilitation of former insurgents, as evidence that alternative strategies can work.
The Speaker also highlighted the importance of community policing, made possible by the Police Act of 2020, as a key element in bridging the gap between law enforcement and local communities. This approach, he noted, builds trust and empowers citizens to actively safeguard their neighborhoods.
He reaffirmed his commitment to seeking innovative solutions that not only address immediate security threats but also focus on the long-term causes of insecurity in Nigeria.
He announced the formation of a new Standing Committee on Peacebuilding and Social Cohesion within the House of Representatives, saying that the committee would develop policies to promote peace and stability, marking the first such initiative in Nigeria and possibly in Africa.
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The workshop, organized in collaboration with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), brought together members of the security sector, intelligence agencies, and other key stakeholders to discuss non-kinetic security strategies. Abbas expressed his appreciation to all participants for their contributions and urged them to consider non-kinetic approaches as complementary to military efforts in securing the nation.
In her opening remarks, Marija Peran, Resident Representative of Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), praised the Speaker for his leadership and initiative in organizing the workshop.
“It was Mr. Speaker personally who initiated this very important event, and KAS is very grateful that we can partner on this once more.”
She emphasized the importance of non-kinetic strategies in creating sustainable peace and security, arguing that military might alone cannot solve Nigeria’s complex security problems.
“Non-kinetic approaches, which focus on addressing the root causes of conflict and fostering sustainable peace, are essential for creating a secure and stable Nigeria,” Peran said.
She highlighted that these strategies include economic development, education, community engagement, and promoting good governance, all aimed at addressing the underlying social, economic, and political factors that fuel insecurity and terrorism.
Peran pointed to economic development as one of the most effective tools in reducing insecurity, explaining that poverty and unemployment create fertile ground for extremist ideologies.
“By promoting economic opportunities, particularly in vulnerable regions, alternatives to violence can be provided, and the appeal of terrorist groups can be reduced,” she said. This includes investments in infrastructure, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, and job creation, particularly for women and youth.
