A security expert and technology consultant, Mr Francis Eloagu, has called on Nigerian governments to urgently adopt technology-driven, intelligence-led security systems to address the country’s worsening insecurity, warning that reliance on manpower alone is no longer sustainable.
Eloagu, the Managing Director/CEO of SolidPro Security Company Ltd, said Nigeria insecurity continues to thrive because threats move faster than the current response mechanisms. He noted that deploying more personnel without integrated systems has proven ineffective in tackling modern security challenges.
“Security must move from reaction to prevention. Being careful is individual and reactive; being security conscious is systemic and proactive,” he said.
He explained that effective security requires the integration of manpower, technology and institutions, adding that the absence of this coordination remains the missing link in Nigeria’s security framework.
“The major gap in Nigeria’s security architecture is the lack of integrated technology Command and Control Centres that enable real-time monitoring, intelligence analysis, and coordinated response”.
Eloagu urged state governments to establish Traffic Command and Control Centres to monitor security situations within their jurisdictions. He said such centres should be supported by live CCTV surveillance of local government areas, major roads and identified threat zones, allowing for centralized analysis and faster decision-making.
Eloagu disclosed that SolidPro Security Company has been in operation for over 15 years, providing electronic security, IT solutions, system design, and security consultancy services that has designed and built control rooms for five airports in Nigeria, managing critical security infrastructure and surveillance systems.
“When it comes to national security, you cannot outsource control entirely to foreigners. A country that allows foreigners to control its security is not safe,” he said.
He warned that Nigeria’s insecurity is discouraging foreign investment, stressing that no serious investor will commit capital to an unsafe environment.
“If a country is not secure, investors will not come. Security is directly tied to economic growth and national stability,” Eloagu said.
He argued that while security agencies remain committed, they are overstretched and require technological support to improve efficiency and reduce response time.
Eloagu further advocated the introduction of state police, supported by centralized intelligence systems and strong oversight, saying this would enable states to respond effectively to their peculiar security challenges.
He raised concerns about Nigeria’s dependence on foreign security equipment, urging the government to invest in local capacity and manufacturing.
“National security is not something you outsource. While we need foreign technology, we are equally capable of developing our own solutions,” Eloagu said.
According to him, insecurity has worsened over the past 15 years partly due to youth unemployment, poor education and lack of inclusion. He urged the government to invest more in youth development and win the trust of young people across the country.
“There are many youths who still want to fight for this country, but they must be given the opportunity,” he added.
