The Senate has resolved to hold a two-day national security summit to discuss solutions to the rising insecurity in the country.
Gatekeepers News reports that the resolution followed a motion presented by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, representing Ondo South, during Tuesday’s plenary session.
Leading the debate, Ibrahim highlighted how global insecurity — intensified by the Russia-Ukraine conflict and strained relations between the global North and South — has deepened food insecurity and slowed progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Ibrahim added that the ongoing tariff war in America and the growing emphasis on balance of power in global affairs have also contributed to a new world order.
He said, “This new order reflects in immigration policies, visa cancellations by new regimes, and countries raising funds by selling citizenship – all of which fuel economic conflict and undermine globalisation pursued over the last sixty years.”
The senator further said Nigeria must clarify its strategic engagement in international affairs, noting that the senate has a role in advising the executive to maximise national interest.
He said, “The next world war may not even require the fanfare of militarism. The incredible growing economic war is gaining ground with destructive innovation in security globally.”
On the situation in Nigeria, Ibrahim said insecurity has become pervasive, affecting both urban and rural areas where banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and other violent crimes persist.
He said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment towards securing the country, Ibrahim emphasized the need for improved military strategy supported by stronger intelligence gathering.
Ibrahim also called for a shift in military communication, enhanced funding, and innovative approaches to modern security threats. He proposed a data-driven national summit to generate practical solutions.
Enyinnaya Abaribe, senator representing Abia South, and Adamu Aliero, senator representing Kebbi Central, argued that a security summit may not be the solution.
Titus Zam, senator representing Benue north-west, and Abba Moro, the senate minority leader, backed the motion.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio put the motion to a voice vote and a majority of senators voted in favour of the summit.
Akpabio noted that the summit would rather last for two days instead of the three days proposed by Ibrahim.
The senate subsequently resolved to set up an ad-hoc committee to organise the two-day
national security summit in Abuja.
The event will include delegates from all levels of government, as well as traditional institutions.
The upper legislative council also urged t
federal government to review and restructure the country’s security policies based on outcomes from the summit.
