President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, reiterated Nigeria’s resolve on Thursday to ensure peace, security, and shared prosperity across the West African sub-region.
Senator Akpabio, who gave assurance while declaring the open of the 2-day international roundtable meeting on the role of parliaments in security sector governance and reform in West Africa, called for deep cooperation, deliberate policies, and laws by parliaments.
In the bid to properly address insecurity within the subregion, he underscored the need for Member States to empower Parliament to assume full legislative powers.
The Senate President, represented by Senator Gbenga Daniel, acknowledged that despite previous political crises and wars in the pre and post-independence periods, there have not been any serious security challenges plaguing West Africa.
He, however, lamented, “In recent years, insecurity has made inroads towards West Africa through countries such as Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Cote d’Ivoire from other African sub-regions. Mali was initially the geographic centre of terror attacks in the region; however, not anymore as Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and Niger have become the new theatre of insecurity.
“This rise in security challenges continued unabated despite the presence of 5,000 French troops, over 1,000 US servicemen, and 15,000 UN peacekeepers on stabilization missions in West Africa and the entire Sahel region, some of which are now nearly a decade. According to the Solace Global Report, existing figures for 2020 indicated that between January and October 2020, the West Africa region recorded 570 terrorist incidents, resulting in the death of 2,201 persons.”
He added, “Some of these conflicts have created acute humanitarian crises, manifested in the loss of civilian lives, destruction of property and infrastructure, disruption of livelihoods and social support networks, internal displacement of persons, and widespread poverty and disease.
“Other sources of insecurity, which fuel and are in turn fueled by armed conflict and instability in West Africa, include the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, the growth of non-state and informal security actors, trafficking in drugs and narcotics, natural resource predation, maritime piracy, and the rise of trans-border criminal networks.
“The changing nature and perceptions of insecurity called for a change in the way security is conceived and pursued in West Africa. As a reflection of this change, the emerging regional security paradigm is marked less by matters of state security and defence but by concerns with human security, internal security, and trans-border security.
“These security issues are either politically motivated, ethno-religious, or economic crime in nature. These security challenges in West Africa include terrorism/insurgency (Boko Haram, ISWAP, etc.), banditry/kidnapping, herdsmen/crop farmers’ crisis, trans-border and maritime piracy, and politically motivated conflicts.”
In his remarks, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, observed that the Roundtable meeting provides a platform for Participants to not only exchange ideas and insights but also to translate our discussions into concrete actions.
Hon. Abbas, who was represented by his Deputy, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, said, “It is imperative that we move beyond dialogue and embark on tangible initiatives that will enhance the effectiveness of our parliamentary roles in addressing security sector governance challenges.
“This forum offers us the chance to critically evaluate our strategies, identify areas of success, and acknowledge the areas where improvements are necessary.
“The security sector plays a pivotal role in ensuring peace, stability, and development within any nation. It encompasses various institutions such as the military, police, intelligence agencies, and other law enforcement bodies. The effective governance and reform of the security sector are essential for upholding the rule of law, protecting human rights, and safeguarding democratic principles.
“In this regard, the role of parliament is indispensable as it serves as a key institution for oversight, legislation, and budgetary control over the security sector.
“In Nigeria, as in many other countries across West Africa, we have witnessed significant challenges in our security landscape. These challenges range from terrorism and insurgency to transnational organized crime, border security issues, and internal conflicts. Addressing these complex security threats requires a comprehensive approach that involves not only the executive branch but also the active arm of participation and oversight by the legislative government.”
Speaking earlier, Director General of the National Institute for Legislative & Democratic Studies (NILDS), Professor Olanrewaju Sulaiman, observed that West Africa is a tapestry of nations with unique histories, cultures, and aspirations.
He, however, noted that the subregion “is not immune to the pressing security challenges that have become increasingly complex and interlinked. The shared borders, histories, and economic ties among West African nations underscore the urgency of our collaborative efforts to address these challenges.
“In recent times, West Africa has faced the scourge of terrorism, insurgency, and transnational crime, presenting formidable threats to our collective peace and stability. Border security issues, including illicit trafficking and the movement of armed groups, further compound the complexities we must confront urgently. Internal conflicts, driven by various factors, pose additional challenges that require our immediate attention.
“More recently, the series of military coups that have taken place in and around our region remain a threat to peace, the rule of law, and democratic stability within the region.
“As Legislators, you stand at the forefront of crafting responses to these challenges. The laws and policies you shape must not only address the immediate threats but also lay the foundation for sustainable security sector governance and reform.
“This roundtable provides an invaluable opportunity to pool our insights, share best practices, and develop legislative frameworks that are responsive to the unique security dynamics of West Africa.
“As part of our efforts in the area of security sector reform and governance, my Institute, in collaboration with our partners, has been at the forefront of driving security sector reforms within the legislative space,” he noted.
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