Nigerian government to hold nationwide town hall meetings over insecurity

By Chibuike Nwabuko

In a move to reduce the increasing tension and curb insecurity in Nigeria, the Federal Government is set to convene town hall meetings in the six geo-political zones.

Government is expected to confer with state chief executives, religious leaders, women and youth groups in a bid to find lasting solutions to the spiralling, multiple security threats in the country.

A statement issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) said the move was in furtherance of Federal Government’s commitment to address multiple security threats facing Nigeria.

It said the National Security Adviser (NSA), Major General Babagana Monguno (rtd) convened a meeting of the General Security Appraisal Committee (GSAC) on 11th February, 2021.

The meeting, which was attended by the service chiefs and heads of law enforcement, security and intelligence agencies discussed the threats of kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, armed robbery and the resultant consequences of these threats on lives and property.

It said as part of renewed commitment to make Nigeria safe and secure, the meeting resolved to strengthen inter-agency coordination, stakeholders’ engagement and consultation in order to find lasting solution to the multiple security threats.

“Working with the service chiefs and heads of security and intelligence agencies, the NSA is coordinating a Whole -of -Government and Whole-of Society approach that cuts across the legislature, judiciary, ministries and departments , states and local governments and the civil society to ensure that every stakeholder plays a role in securing our towns and villages.

“The NSA believes that addressing these threats call for the deployment of all national assets, including the cooperation of all Nigerians.

Consequently, the National Security Adviser will be leading a delegation of heads of federal law enforcement, security and intelligence agencies to the geo-political zones to hold town halls meeting with the state governors, traditional and religious leaders, members of the legislature, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), youth and women organisations”, it said.

It said the meetings are expected to provide direct assessment of the security situation, generate local feedback and recommendations, encourage geo-political synchronisation of effort among states and to also create a pathway to lasting peace and security.

The ONSA said the first of the town hall meetings was scheduled to hold in Kaduna State on Monday, 15 February 2021 with all seven governors of the North-western states.

“The Federal Government is deeply concerned about the current spate of criminal activities and is taking major steps to strengthen the capacity of security agencies, while upgrading the security architecture, and implementing a multi-pronged strategy that involves political, humanitarian, economic and security measures.

“The Federal Government is equally committed to working with the states and community leaders to strengthen peace, security and development in all parts of the country”, it said. (Sundiatapost)