The Federal Government is contemplating the adoption of non-kinetic security approaches, focusing on human and socio-economic development, to address the security challenges in the Niger Delta region. This was disclosed by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, during his speech on “Sustainable Development of Niger Delta: A National Security Outlook” at the ongoing Niger Delta Summit.
Ribadu, represented by his Special Adviser on Energy Security and Niger Delta Affairs, Osarite Ihuoma Grace, stated that the government plans to establish a special directorate to tackle the security issues in the oil-rich region. This initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s recognition of the Niger Delta’s critical role in Nigeria’s political and socio-economic progress, contributing approximately 75% of the nation’s foreign exchange earnings.
“The Niger Delta must be clearly captured in a more active and determined way as a National Security priority in the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and his Renewed Hope Agenda,” Ribadu stated. He emphasized a shift from a strong kinetic security posture to non-kinetic operations, focusing on human and socio-economic development to deepen democratic culture in the region.
Ribadu highlighted the significant impact of oil theft and pipeline vandalization on Nigeria’s oil production, advocating for a change in security approach. “Before 2024, Nigeria was allotted a 1.8 million barrels per day production quota by OPEC. However, less than 1.4 million barrels per day are produced, resulting in a shortfall of 600,000 barrels per day. This is due to socio-economic issues related to security, such as crude oil theft, pipeline vandalization, environmentally harmful artisanal refining, sea piracy, and youth militancy,” he explained.
He acknowledged the ecological and logistical challenges of the Niger Delta, describing it as the world’s tenth largest and Africa’s largest deltaic ecosystem. “Your people have braved, survived, and made their home out of this ecosystem. The oil and gas business and its negative externalities place a lot of pressure on your physical and social ecosystem and the people’s livelihood,” Ribadu admitted.
Ribadu reiterated that the initiative undertaken by his office aligns with President Tinubu’s mandate to ensure that the Niger Delta region is clearly captured as a national security priority within the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.