Using Technology to Combat Insecurity in Nigeria

Nigeria’s escalating security and economic crises continue to worsen. With over 200 million citizens, daily reports of kidnappings, banditry, and various other crimes have become distressingly routine. The current governmental efforts seem ineffective, and urgent action is required before we risk losing our nation altogether.

Technology holds significant potential to address Nigeria’s security and economic challenges swiftly. Despite the seemingly overwhelming problems, Nigeria’s large youth population can be a tremendous asset if effectively harnessed. It’s crucial for every Nigerian, regardless of location or socioeconomic status, to actively participate in the nation’s rescue. As a Nigerian living abroad, I am deeply troubled by the continuous stream of disheartening news from home.

One key solution lies in establishing a robust identity management system. Identity is foundational for social security, law, and order. Historically, even before modern technology, Northern Nigeria’s local authorities, led by Emirs, maintained detailed records of households, births, deaths, and other critical events. This system effectively upheld law and order when the population was smaller.

Today, effective identity management requires leveraging technology. Many Nigerians lack any form of identity documentation and are essentially invisible to government records. Births and deaths often go unregistered, and where data exists, it is rarely integrated into a national database, undermining the credibility of statistics. The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) is working to issue digital identities, which is a positive step. However, the program’s pace can be accelerated through alternative methods and lessons from successful models like India’s Aadhaar.

India’s Aadhaar program registered over 1.2 billion citizens, more than 90% of the population, in under a decade. In contrast, Nigeria’s NIMC, established in 2007, has struggled to register even half of the population. This disparity, despite similarities in education and infrastructure, indicates fundamental issues within Nigeria’s identity management approach. Nigeria can learn valuable lessons from Aadhaar and seek assistance from India’s government to enhance its identity program.

In addition to identity management, investing in surveillance technology is crucial for combating insecurity. Despite privacy concerns raised by human rights activists, modern surveillance systems have proven effective in crime prevention and resolution in developed cities worldwide. Nigeria has initiated several surveillance camera projects, yet there are no reported instances where these cameras have prevented or solved crimes, suggesting these projects were either poorly executed or simply avenues for corruption.

Effective surveillance requires not just the installation of cameras but also dedicated monitoring and quick response mechanisms. Control rooms need to operate around the clock, linked to police patrol units for rapid intervention. This demands unwavering commitment to fighting insecurity. While no place can be entirely safe, a heightened sense of security can attract foreign investments, foster business growth, and assure Nigerians of their government’s protection. After all, safeguarding lives and properties is a fundamental responsibility of any government.