Nigeria Security Challenges Demand Coordinated Efforts, Sustained Engagement – NIPSS DG

The director-general of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru near Jos, Prof Ayo Omotayo, has revealed that the security challenges facing the country are complex and deeply rooted, requiring more than just military solutions.

According to him, they demand coordinated efforts, strategic thinking and sustained engagement across all sectors of society, adding that no single institution can address them alone.

The DG made the disclosure at a dinner organised for members of the press at the Institute said in confronting these realities, the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies has continued to play its role as a centre for strategic reflection and policy innovation.

He explained that at the National Institute, they are constantly reminded that policy does not exist in a vacuum, adding that ideas, however well crafted, only come alive when they are understood, debated, and embraced by the public.

“This is where you come in. Your reporting shapes national conversations, frames public understanding, and, in many ways, determines whether policies succeed or falter. It is therefore important that we continue to build bridges between the policy community and the media space, he said.

Prof Omotayo further maintained that, through rigorous research, high-level training programmes, and stakeholder dialogues, they seek to provide the government with practical and forward-looking recommendations.

“But beyond that, we see ourselves as a bridge, connecting government, academia, civil society, and, importantly, the media. Your role in interpreting and disseminating these ideas cannot be overstated. I wish to emphasise that the way security issues are reported matters greatly.

According to him, responsible journalism can help calm tensions, promote understanding, and support national unity, stressing that sensationalism or the spread of unverified information can exacerbate already fragile situations.

“This is why I urge a renewed commitment to accuracy, context, and professionalism. At the same time, we at the Institute must do more to ensure timely access to credible information and expert insights to support your work.

He insisted that the dinner is a moment to renew their shared commitment to Nigeria, a commitment to truth, to stability, and to progress. “Let us continue to work together, not as separate actors but as partners bound by a common purpose: the building of a secure, united, and economically resilient nation.

The DG further pointed out that, beyond security, economic realities also call for careful, deliberate engagement, adding that Nigerians are facing real pressures, which is understandable.

He revealed that economic reforms, while necessary, often come with short-term difficulties, stressing that in such moments, clear communication becomes essential.

“The media serves as the bridge between policymakers and the public, helping to explain not just what decisions are being made, but why they are necessary and what outcomes are expected.

“Let me also say that cooperation is not a one-way street. As I call on you to uphold the highest standards of journalism, we equally commit ourselves at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies to greater transparency and engagement, he said.