Insecurity In Nigeria Caused By Poor Governance – Gaskiya

Chairman of the PCVE Development Management Team and National Steering Committee of Pave Network, Mr Jaye Gaskiya, has said that insecurity in Nigeria is a development challenge rather than a security challenge.

He spoke in Abuja recently at the National PCVE Summit 2025 opening.

He said violent extremism is rooted in poor governance systems, socio-economic inequalities, political exclusion and structural injustices.

Gaskiya stressed that tackling insecurity required a whole-of-government approach involving the executive, legislature, judiciary and all tiers of government.

He also called for the participation of civil society, traditional rulers, religious leaders, academia, media, and local communities in peacebuilding.

“The goal is to prevent radicalisation, mitigate risks and reduce the conditions that allow violent extremism to thrive,” he said.

The director-general of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Dr Joseph Ochogwu, warned that violent extremism was mutating across borders and exploiting Africa’s vulnerabilities.

He said the continent often bore the brunt of global crises, citing the aftermath of 9/11 and the Gaza conflict as examples.

The minister of Budget and Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, emphasised the need for inclusiveness and support for local communities to build resilience against extremism.

He said development initiatives must recognise the struggles of ordinary Nigerians, especially women and rural dwellers, who bear the brunt of insecurity.

Bagudu added that synergy among stakeholders remained crucial, a role effectively coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).