During a recent discussion at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) titled “2024 LCCI Security Meets Business Dialogue Series,” service chiefs expressed concerns about potential security challenges stemming from the planned Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, Chief of Air Staff, represented by Air Vice Marshal Adeniran Ademuwagun, emphasized the need for security considerations in infrastructure development, stating, “As we build this 700-kilometer road from Lagos to Calabar, there’s a significant oversight regarding the necessary security architecture.” He added, “When this project is operational, it will pose security challenges that have not been addressed throughout the planning stages. We need to ensure that security agencies are involved from the outset to mitigate potential risks.”
Abubakar warned that once the highway is completed, it could inadvertently provide access to criminals and disrupt the safety of the area. However, he assured the public that the Nigerian Air Force would be ready to support safety measures for businesses and industrial growth.
The Air Force also conducts aerial patrols along the Abuja-Kaduna rail network, highlighting the ongoing need for security in transportation projects. Abubakar noted that security considerations were lacking during the initial planning of this rail line, which has resulted in challenges that must now be faced.
Rear Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla, Chief of Naval Staff, echoed these sentiments. He stated that while the coastal highway is a beneficial initiative for business, it must incorporate input from security experts to address inevitable security issues.
General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, underscored the importance of the LCCI Security Business Dialogue Series as a critical platform for discussing security’s impact on Nigeria’s economy. He affirmed that a secure environment boosts investor confidence, leading to economic growth and job creation, while also acknowledging the detrimental effects of insecurity on business operations.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, represented by AIG Fayoade Adegoke, pointed out that rising crime rates such as kidnapping and banditry foster a climate of fear that discourages investment. “When businesses feel safe, they are more likely to expand and operate productively,” he said.
Minister of Defence Mr. Badaru Abubakar, represented by Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, reiterated the government’s commitment to creating a secure environment for economic prosperity, welcoming collaboration with the business community to achieve a safer Nigeria.
Lastly, Mr. Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, chairman of the LCCI Security Meets Business Dialogue Series, reflected on Nigeria’s past choices since independence in 1960, suggesting that different decisions could have led to better outcomes today. He also noted that the country’s security challenges are exacerbated by drug abuse, as highlighted by Brigadier General Mohammed Marwa (rtd.), chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
