Babajide Famurewa, Nigerian born British citizen & UK Based Health & Safety Expert proffers solution to Nigerian Security Challenges

One of our biggest issues isn’t just the attacks, but also the lack of action we’re taking against them.

Most Nigerians have never even heard of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 — the very law that is supposed to guide how we prevent and respond to terrorism in this country.

Yes, the law exists.

Yes, it gives government powers.

Yes, it created the National Counter Terrorism Centre under the Office of the NSA.

But here is the uncomfortable truth:

 The law places a strong emphasis on government authority.

 But says very little about your responsibility as a business owner, event organiser, church, mosque, or market leader.

Now compare that to Martyn’s Law in the UK.

In the UK, if you own or run a public venue:

You MUST assess risks

You MUST train your staff

You MUST have a plan if something happens.

In Nigeria?

We are still acting like security is only the government’s job.

Let me say this clearly:

 If your event centre, church, mosque, mall, or motor park has no security plan today… You are contributing to the vulnerability.

This is not about blame. It’s about reality.

With the current level of attacks, Nigeria must decide:

Do we keep reacting… or do we start preventing?

Because prevention means something uncomfortable:

 Making it a LEGAL DUTY for venue owners to take security seriously.

That means:

Mandatory risk assessments

Staff training on suspicious behaviour

Basic security plans for public spaces

And yes… it also means enforcement.

Just like the UK has the Security Industry Authority (SIA), Nigeria needs a clear regulator to:

Monitor compliance

Guide businesses

Enforce standards

But passing laws is the easy part.

The real issue is awareness.

How many market leaders realise they need to secure their environment?

How many religious centres actively consider attack prevention?

How many transport hubs have an actual safety plan?

Exactly.

So, here’s what needs to happen (and fast):

 Take awareness to the grassroots level

Use traditional rulers, community meetings, even town criers if we must.

 Partner with religious bodies like the Christian Association of Nigeria and the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs to make security part of weekly sermons.

 Go heavy on media: From Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria to local stations — in Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Pidgin and more.

 Flood social media

Simple infographics. Clear messages. What to watch. What to do.

 Take it local

Town hall workshops. Market sensitisation. Motor parks. Event centres.

 Integrate community policing

Train vigilantes and local groups to identify risks and guide venue owners.

 Make security visible; Display mandatory signage in public areas: “See something, say something”. Emergency contact numbers are clearly displayed.

Because let’s be honest…

We cannot police 200 million people from Abuja.

Security must be everyone’s responsibility.

Until then, we will continue with laws on paper… and tragedies in real life.

Nigeria doesn’t just need stronger laws.

Nigeria needs shared responsibility.

And that conversation needs to start now.

Babajide Famurewa.