Former Minister of Transportation and ex-Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, has warned that Nigeria’s worsening insecurity will continue unless government leaders adopt a more holistic approach that goes beyond military action.
Speaking during an interactive session with youth members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition on Sunday, Amaechi said the real roots of Nigeria’s insecurity lie in poverty, unemployment, and exclusion from governance—not religion or ethnicity as often claimed.
“Any leader who wants to resolve the issue of insecurity in Nigeria will know that physical policing alone will not be the solution,” he said. “No matter how much you equip the police and the army, the other people will continue to equip themselves to fight back the state actors.”
According to him, tackling insecurity must include serious economic empowerment programmes and inclusive governance that gives every citizen a sense of belonging. Amaechi stressed that Nigeria’s over-reliance on military solutions without addressing the economic frustrations of the people only prolongs the crisis.
“Insecurity is not just about guns and bullets. It’s about jobs, opportunities, and trust in government,” he said.
The former minister noted that many young Nigerians feel abandoned by the system and are easily lured into crime or violence due to a lack of alternatives. He added that until the government begins to invest meaningfully in its people, peace will remain difficult to achieve.
“True national security begins with policies that expand opportunities for the youth, reduce inequality, and restore the people’s trust in their leaders,” he said.
Amaechi’s comments come at a time when Nigeria is facing rising insecurity in several regions, including terrorist attacks in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, and violent crimes in the South.
His remarks highlight growing calls from political leaders, civil society groups, and international partners for Nigeria to adopt non-military solutions to its security problems.
The former governor urged young Nigerians to get more involved in politics and governance, adding that a peaceful and stable Nigeria cannot be built without youth participation and inclusive leadership.
Amaechi, who has previously contested for the presidential ticket under the All Progressives Congress (APC), has consistently spoken on the need for leadership that prioritises development, accountability, and unity.
He also warned against using religion or ethnicity as tools for political manipulation, stressing that insecurity affects all Nigerians, regardless of tribe or faith.
“There’s no Christian or Muslim hunger, there’s no Igbo or Hausa joblessness. The problems affect us all. Our solutions must be united too,” he concluded.
