The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, says impactful development is a major solution to security challenges.

Mr Akume said this while delivering a paper titled “Leadership, Policy Implementation, and Development in Nigeria.”

The paper was presented at the 12th Leadership Lecture Series organised by the Centre for Leadership and Complex Military Operations, Nigerian Defence Academy, on Saturday in Abuja.

ThA retired federal permanent secretary, Olusegun Adekunle, represented the SGF. 

“By investing in impactful development strategies, our country, Nigeria, can address root causes of insecurity and mitigate the risks of conflicts and security challenges, thereby creating environments conducive to peace and stability,” he said.

He said Nigeria, like most other nations, had grappled with security challenges for over a decade, adding that there was a nexus between leadership, policy implementation, development, and security.

According to him, when a country experiences significant development in various sectors like education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic opportunities, it can improve security conditions.

The SGF said development initiatives, such as job creation, entrepreneurship programmes, and investments in industries, could help alleviate poverty and reduce inequality.

This, according to him, would minimise social unrest, crime, and extremist ideologies driven by economic desperation.

He added that development projects enhance social cohesion and inclusion, promote dialogue, and address grievances by fostering inclusive societies where citizens have equal opportunities and feel represented.

Mr Akume added that strengthening governance systems can help prevent corruption, promote the rule of law, ensure equal access to justice, and build strong institutions that maintain security and stability.

Mr Akume said the administration of President Bola Tinubu had brought into governance experience, energy, capacity, and commitment that fits into leadership, policy, and development.

According to him, six months on the saddle, the government has taken strategic steps on its eight priority areas around which policies and legislations are being developed for implementation, development, and growth.

“As a way of reminder, the priority areas are food security, ending poverty, economic growth and job creation, access to capital and inclusivity,” he added.

The Director, Centre for Leadership and Complex Military Operations, NDA, Bem Audu, said the lecture series was designed to match the concept in leadership practice.

(NAN)