Nigeria to become Africa’s safest country soon, says Obidike

A senior member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Obidike Chukwuebuka, has expressed confidence that Nigeria is on track to become one of the safest countries in Africa under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Chief Obidike highlighted the President’s ongoing security reforms and strategic interventions as evidence of a firm commitment to addressing terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal clashes and other criminal activities that threaten the nation’s peace and development.

He said the Tinubu administration is implementing comprehensive measures designed to overhaul Nigeria’s security architecture and strengthen the capacity of security agencies to protect lives and property more effectively.

As Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Clarivo Holdings Limited, Obidike noted that a key step is the expansion of security personnel through the recruitment of additional officers for the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force. He expects this initiative to increase security presence nationwide and improve operational effectiveness in troubled areas.

Regarding state policing, Obidike described President Tinubu as the first Nigerian President to demonstrate genuine political will to actualise the long-debated initiative.

He explained that while previous administrations had discussed the idea of state police, Tinubu took decisive action by submitting the necessary legislative proposal to the National Assembly for constitutional consideration.

Obidike believes the move could significantly strengthen Nigeria’s fight against insecurity by bringing policing closer to the people and communities where crimes occur.

He argued that state police would enhance local intelligence gathering, enable rapid responses to security threats, deepen community policing, and allow security personnel to better understand the language, culture, terrain and specific security challenges of their areas.

Obidike further said that state policing would reduce the burden on the federal police, allowing the national force to focus on terrorism, border security, organised crime and other national security concerns. He added that decentralising policing would improve accountability and make security operations more effective across the federation.

The APC chieftain also praised the President’s commitment to modernising the military through the acquisition of advanced security equipment, including armoured vehicles and other operational assets needed to confront criminal elements.

He added that the administration has intensified collaboration among the military, police, intelligence agencies and other security organisations to ensure coordinated operations and quicker responses to security threats.

Speaking about the recurring conflicts between farmers and herders, Obidike welcomed the President’s support for ranching as a sustainable alternative to open grazing, describing it as a practical solution capable of reducing violent clashes and improving agricultural productivity.

He expressed confidence that the foundations being laid by the Tinubu administration will not only address existing security challenges but also position Nigeria as one of the safest and most stable countries on the African continent in the coming years.