Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has revealed that military intervention accounts for merely 30 percent of the solution to the nation’s security challenges. Speaking at a critical roundtable discussion in Abuja, General Musa emphasized that the remaining 70 percent relies heavily on political will and socio-economic development initiatives.
The candid assessment came during the Roundtable Discussion on Nigeria’s Security and National Interest, a high-level forum organized by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre in collaboration with Defence Correspondents. The event, which focused on “National Security and National Interest: A Development Journalism Approach for the Defence Beat,” served as a platform for reimagining Nigeria’s approach to security challenges.
General Musa’s remarks represent a significant departure from traditional security paradigms that often prioritize military might over other factors. In a world fraught with echoes of conflict, uncertainty, security dilemmas, ambiguous and complex geopolitical challenges, the narrative surrounding national security often emerges from a narrow lens,” he observed. This narrow perspective, he argued, has led to an overemphasis on military solutions while overlooking crucial societal factors that contribute to security challenges.
The CDS’s perspective introduces a more nuanced understanding of national security, one that encompasses social welfare, economic development, and environmental considerations. This holistic approach aligns with contemporary security theories that recognize the interconnected nature of various societal challenges and their impact on national stability.
In what could be seen as a call for a paradigm shift, General Musa highlighted the vital role of journalism in shaping security outcomes. He specifically endorsed development journalism, a specialized form of reporting that focuses on social, economic, and political progress. This approach, according to the CDS, could serve as a crucial bridge between military efforts and broader societal development goals.
The significance of this revelation cannot be overstated, particularly in a country like Nigeria, which has faced multiple security challenges ranging from terrorism in the Northeast to banditry in the Northwest, and separatist movements in the Southeast. These challenges, while requiring military intervention, often stem from deeper socio-economic issues such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to education.
General Musa’s emphasis on collaborative efforts suggests a recognition that sustainable security solutions must involve multiple stakeholders. By acknowledging that military actions alone cannot guarantee national security, he opens the door for increased civilian participation in security matters and highlights the need for comprehensive development strategies.
The role of journalism in this new security paradigm is particularly noteworthy. The CDS envisions development journalism as more than just reporting; it becomes an active participant in promoting national cohesion and stability. This approach could help create a more informed and engaged citizenry, better equipped to contribute to national security efforts.
The timing of these remarks is particularly relevant as Nigeria continues to grapple with evolving security challenges. The acknowledgment that military action represents only 30 percent of the solution suggests a need for increased investment in social infrastructure, economic development, and political reforms. These non-military elements, comprising 70 percent of the security equation, require sustained attention and resources.
Looking ahead, General Musa’s insights could potentially influence policy decisions and resource allocation in Nigeria’s security sector. His emphasis on a “healthy and socially cohesive population” as fundamental to national security suggests a need for increased investment in education, healthcare, and social welfare programs alongside military expenditure.
This comprehensive approach to national security, while challenging to implement, offers a more sustainable path forward for Nigeria. It recognizes that true security cannot be achieved through force alone but must be built on a foundation of social justice, economic opportunity, and political stability. As Nigeria continues to navigate its security challenges, this balanced perspective could prove instrumental in crafting more effective and lasting solutions to the country’s security concerns.
