Service Chiefs Warn of Security Challenges Upon Completion of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway

A new dimension was added to the controversy trailing the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, on Wednesday, when service chiefs raised concerns that Nigeria might be open to new security challenges when the road is completed and operational.

The apprehensions were raised at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) “2024 LCCI Security Meets Business Dialogue Series.”

The security chiefs advised that it was important for security experts to be involved in the conceptualisation and development of infrastructure with bearing on the country’s national security interests.

President of LCCI, Mr. Gabriel Idahosa, in his welcome address, said reports revealed that Nigeria suffered “20 per cent loss in productivity annually due to these security issues. Many entrepreneurs are relocating, diverting investments to more stable African regions.”

Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, represented by Air Vice Marshal Adeniran Ademuwagun, said, “Now we are building road network from Lagos to Calabar. I can also say that the biggest challenge there is that there is no consideration for security architecture to protect this 700-kilometre stretch of road.

“But what we see is that when this project goes live, there will be attendant security challenges that would not have been catered for throughout the whole project. I think that as a nation we need to address this.

“When projects that have significant bearing on national security are being conceptualised, it is important to bring security agencies on board from the beginning.

“I can assure that when this road (coastal highway) opens it will also provide access to miscreants and other people that we do not intend to have access into our country.

“However, we can assure you that the Nigerian Air Force will continue to prepare to provide robust support for the safety of our commercial environment and industrial growth.”

Abubakar also disclosed that the air force went on aerial patrol every time a train was on the rail network between Kaduna and Abuja

He said, “However, when this rail network was conceptualised and eventually built, military organisations, particularly, were isolated.

“Security was missed in its consideration but eventually, we have inherited the challenges.”

Speaking in the same vein, Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla, represented by Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mike Gregory, agreed that the coastal highway would come with attendant security issues.

Ogalla said, “Coastal road? Yes! My colleague in the Air Force has said that. It is a very good initiative that will help business. But security agencies have to be factored in because it will come with attendant security issues.

“It will be better to have security experts bring in their own inputs so that we will have that road and it will be secured for businesses (sic).”

Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, represented by Air Vice Marshal Bashiri Maman, described the LCCI Security Business Dialogue Series as a needful platform that had created an avenue for stakeholders in the economy to deliberate on the state of security in the country and its effect on the private sector.

Musa stated that there was no gainsaying that a secure environment would provide confidence for investors, businesses and consumers.

He said, “When there are strong measures in place to protect assets, transactions and personal data both local and foreign investors are more likely to flow into the economy.

“This will surely boost economic growth and development of any nation. Invariably, a striving economy supported by active trade and business generate jobs and wealth, which reduces poverty and unrest.

“Sadly, insecurity, such as insurgency and organised crime, has had significant negative impact on business operations, supply chains and investors’ confidence in Nigeria.”

In his remarks, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, who was represented by Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Zone 2, AIG Fayoade Adegoke, said that kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes had created a climate of fear and instability, which deterred both local and foreign investors.

Egbetokun said, “When businesses feel safe, they tend to invest more, expand operations and engage more productively as a decrease in crime means fewer disruptions, better worker attendance and improved supply chain.”

Minister of Defence, Mr. Badaru Abubakar, who was represented by the General Officer Commanding 81 Division, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, said the ministry recognised that a secure environment was essential for economic prosperity.

Abubakar said, “The armed forces of Nigeria are committed to advancing the safety of our nation and making it an attractive destination for businesses and investors.”

He added that the Ministry of Defence welcomed the involvement of the business community “as we walk towards a safer Nigeria”.

Chairman of the LCCI Security Meets Business Dialogue Series, Mr. Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, stated that the current security challenges in Nigeria were the consequences of the choices the country made with the chances it had.

Adelusi-Adeluyi said, “We had our chances in 1960, when Nigeria gained independence. We made our choices and today we are facing the consequences.

“Maybe if we had made more informed choices from the chances that were available the consequences would have been different today.”

Chairman of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohammed Marwa (rtd.), said the security challenges in the country were being intensified by usage of illicit drugs.

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