Stakeholders Advocate Citizen-Centric Approach for Safeguarding National Security
Key stakeholders in Nigeria’s security, media, and civic sectors have called for a citizen-centric approach to national security, emphasizing that lasting peace and safety can only be achieved through inclusive civic engagement and community ownership of security processes.
The call was made in Abuja during the 2025 Voice of Nigeria (VON) Forum, themed “Renewed Hope Agenda: Citizens’ Engagement and National Security.”
The event brought together high-ranking government officials, security experts, media professionals, and civil society leaders to explore strategic ways of aligning national security with grassroots participation.
Organized by Voice of Nigeria in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, the forum had the Minister of Information, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, as Chief Host.
Discussions at the forum underscored the importance of building trust between citizens and security institutions, combating misinformation, promoting civic education, and integrating youth into national security strategies.
“Every Nigerian hopes to contribute meaningfully to the nation, and security becomes truly effective when people are involved,” said VON DG, Malam Jibrin Ndace.
He also affirmed VON’s commitment to “amplifying truth, promoting integrity, and supporting national development.”
Participants stressed that national security must begin at the family and community levels, with traditional institutions, civil society, and the media playing key roles in fostering a secure environment.
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Public broadcasters were tasked with leading the fight against misinformation by delivering verified and contextual information, while calls were made for training journalists in security-sensitive reporting.
Stakeholders also highlighted the role of civic education in promoting patriotism, responsible citizenship, and unity.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) was urged to step up awareness campaigns to instill a culture of security consciousness across all age groups and social categories.
Youth were particularly spotlighted as essential to intelligence gathering and early-warning systems.
The forum called for institutionalized platforms that give young Nigerians a voice in security policymaking, noting that communities and families serve as the first line of defence.
The creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development by the Tinubu administration was commended as a forward-looking step toward resolving long-standing farmer-herder clashes under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The forum also recommended a strengthened local government system to enhance grassroots-level security coordination.
Participants advocated for stronger border security, more structured collaboration between civil society and security agencies, and the annual institutionalization of the VON Forum to monitor implementation of its resolutions.
They also stressed that young people must not be viewed merely as future leaders, but as active contributors to national peace and security today.
In reaffirming the Renewed Hope Agenda as a unifying national vision, participants praised Voice of Nigeria for creating a timely and strategic platform for dialogue. They pledged continued support for efforts aimed at building a more secure, inclusive, and prosperous Nigeria.
