The Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP) has called for a broader, people-centred approach to security governance in Nigeria, with emphasis on addressing the social and economic conditions that contribute to insecurity.
The call was made at the society’s 20th International Conference and General Assembly, held at Lead City University, Ibadan, where scholars, security experts, policymakers and peace practitioners gathered under the theme, “Security Governance and Global Dynamics.”
Delivering the keynote address, former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, urged federal and state governments to redesign the country’s security strategy around citizens’ everyday needs, including food, employment, healthcare and education.
Egbetokun warned that poverty and unemployment, particularly among young people, could create conditions favourable to extremist recruitment. He stressed that insecurity could not be addressed through military and policing responses alone, but required attention to underlying governance challenges.
He also called for policing reforms, stronger institutional accountability and clearly defined responsibilities among federal, state and community-level security structures to strengthen security governance in the country.
In his welcome remarks, SPSP President, Professor Benjamin Aluko, said the conference was taking place against the backdrop of growing global uncertainty, protracted conflicts, ethno-religious tensions, extremism, state fragility and weakening institutional capacity.
Declaring the conference open, the Vice Chancellor of Lead City University and host of the event, Professor Kabiru Adeyemo, said security extends beyond the protection of territorial borders to include access to justice, public trust, economic opportunities and social inclusion.
Adeyemo noted that weak governance could create conditions for insecurity to thrive, while accountable, inclusive and responsive governance could help sustain peace. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to peace education, good governance and national development, stressing that universities should produce not only graduates but also problem-solvers, peacebuilders and ethical leaders.
The conference, which also featured an induction and awards programme, provided a platform for stakeholders to examine security governance from a broader perspective, linking it with development, human rights, social cohesion and environmental sustainability.
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