A development economist and policy expert, Prof. Chiwuike Uba, has condemned the persistent insecurity in Nigeria despite the government’s massive investment of over N40 trillion in defence and security between 2014 and 2025. Speaking on April 29, 2025, Prof. Uba highlighted that the 2025 budget alone allocates N6.11 trillion to security, an amount that far exceeds the combined funding for critical sectors like education, health, and skills development, which together receive just N5.7 trillion.
Prof. Uba argued that the continued insecurity reflects a fundamental misdiagnosis of the problem, emphasizing that throwing money at militarized responses has failed to yield lasting peace. He called for a shift towards preventive measures focused on social welfare, justice, and inclusive governance, addressing root causes such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to basic services.
The economic expert also pointed out that Nigeria’s heavy dependence on crude oil and underutilization of sectors like agriculture and manufacturing have contributed to poor macroeconomic performance compared to regional peers. He advocated for a bold reform agenda centered on economic diversification, human capital development, debt management, and revenue expansion to achieve sustainable growth and stability.
Meanwhile, Harrison Ogara, a Labour Party lawmaker representing Igboeze South in Enugu State, lamented the dire security situation in his constituency, where only nine policemen are tasked with protecting about 500,000 residents. He cited recent kidnappings, including that of a newly ordained reverend sister, and recounted how a young person was tragically killed by a stray bullet while trying to evade kidnappers.
These testimonies underscore the urgent need for Nigeria to rethink its security strategy beyond financial allocations, focusing instead on comprehensive socio-economic reforms to tackle the root causes of insecurity and restore public safety.