Insecurity crisis undermining Nigeria’s economic growth, global competitiveness – Liyel Imoke
Nigeria’s growing insecurity has severely hampered its economic progress and global standing, according to former Senator and Governor of Cross River State, Liyel Imoke. He highlighted how the rise in violent crimes, insurgency, and militancy has made the country less attractive to foreign investors and disrupted local industries, further deepening the nation’s socio-economic challenges.
Imoke made the remarks in his keynote address at the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) conference in Lokoja, Kogi State, Thursday, where he outlined key drivers of the insecurity crisis and proposed multifaceted solutions to address it.
He argued that the country’s continued instability has severely undermined its competitiveness on the global stage, leaving its potential largely untapped and its economy battered.
Imoke attributed the rising insecurity to several key factors, including youth unemployment, bad governance, and the proliferation of small arms. The country, he emphasized, has seen an alarming number of weapons in the hands of non-state actors, emboldening groups such as insurgents, bandits, and militant separatists. These factors have coalesced to create a volatile environment that has not only scared off foreign investors but also stifled local businesses trying to thrive in a challenging economic landscape.
Imoke stressed that Nigeria’s youth, once seen as the country’s greatest asset, have become increasingly disenfranchised due to high unemployment rates. The lack of opportunities and adequate educational resources has pushed many young Nigerians towards criminal activities or insurgent groups. The growing frustration among youths was particularly evident during the EndSARS protests, which highlighted long-standing grievances with the state and security forces.
Bad governance, according to Imoke, has only worsened the crisis. Corruption and mismanagement of resources intended for security reforms have left the nation’s security apparatus ill-prepared to deal with the magnitude of the problem. He criticized the inefficiency of the government in responding to the growing insecurity, which has allowed insurgent groups and criminal organizations to flourish, especially in regions like the North-East, North-West, and South-East.
However, Imoke acknowledged that as bleak as the situation may seem, there have been some significant gains in recent years. Boko Haram (BK), the terrorist group that once controlled vast territories in the North-East, has been largely decimated, with a 40% reduction in their grip on the region. The military has successfully reclaimed a large portion of land previously under insurgent control, although pockets of resistance remain, particularly from factions such as ISWAP.
In the Niger Delta, a reduction in militancy has led to an increase in oil production, one of Nigeria’s primary revenue sources. Imoke noted that this has been a welcome development for the country’s economy, which depends heavily on oil exports. Moreover, anti-piracy measures in the Gulf of Guinea have led to a 58% decrease in piracy, helping secure the international shipping routes vital for Nigeria’s oil and trade sectors.
In the South-East, the arrest of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has contributed to a decrease in militant activity. Although tensions persist in the region, there has been a notable reduction in violent confrontations with security forces.
Advances in intelligence gathering and surveillance technology have also been vital in combating insecurity, allowing for more targeted operations across the country. These efforts, while commendable, have not yet eradicated the larger problem.
Imoke highlighted the human cost of Nigeria’s insecurity, citing the displacement of over 2.7 million people and the death of approximately 350,000 Nigerians due to insurgencies and violent conflicts. Entire communities, especially in the North-East, have been wiped out by kidnappings and clashes between farmers and herders. The EndSARS protests exacerbated these tensions, revealing the deep mistrust between the public and security forces, who have been accused of extrajudicial killings and arbitrary arrests.
While significant challenges remain, Imoke proposed a multifaceted approach to addressing the crisis. He advocated for community policing as a means of decentralizing the security structure, which would allow for more efficient intelligence gathering and quicker responses to emerging threats. In his view, empowering local authorities would help bridge the gap between the federal government and communities that feel neglected by the central security apparatus.
Additionally, he called for the urgent need to tackle youth unemployment through entrepreneurial training, access to investment funds, and the promotion of rural development. Imoke emphasized that by providing young Nigerians with alternatives to crime, the country could begin to reverse the trend of violence. Education must be at the heart of these reforms, he said, to equip the next generation with the skills needed to contribute positively to society.
He also urged the government to deploy more advanced technology in its fight against insecurity, particularly in monitoring and intelligence operations. Mediation efforts between farmers and herders, along with dialogue forums aimed at resolving regional disputes, must be strengthened to reduce violent clashes.
Imoke stressed the importance of adequately funding security agencies and improving the welfare and training of personnel. He called for the rehabilitation of former militants and insurgents, as well as judicial reforms to address impunity and restore public confidence in the justice system.
Though the road ahead is long, Imoke remained optimistic that Nigeria could reclaim its place on the international stage if it commits to comprehensive reforms. For him, the time to act is now, before the situation spirals further out of control, and the window of opportunity closes.
As he concluded his remarks, Imoke reiterated that while insecurity has rendered Nigeria less competitive in the global arena, the country is not beyond saving. The foundation for recovery exists, but only through sustained effort, accountability, and innovation can Nigeria overcome its current crisis and reclaim its rightful position as Africa’s giant.
