Experts Call for Human Security Focus at Nigerian Conference

At the AUSS-NG 2026 Conference hosted by the Institute for African and Diaspora Studies at the University of Lagos, Dr. Cyril Obi, Director of the Social Science Research Council and the African Peacebuilding and Development Dynamics programme, urged the Nigerian government to prioritize human security. Prof. Afe Adogame from Princeton Theological Seminary presented a paper titled ‘Holy violence, unholy embrace: The intersection of religious conflict and insecurity,’ arguing that Nigeria's focus on state security has detrimental effects.

He criticized the government's approach, stating that it supports repressive regimes and neglects the daily insecurities faced by citizens, such as economic hardship and health crises. Adogame highlighted that the current security framework fosters fear among citizens, particularly in interactions with police, and called for a shift towards a human security perspective that emphasizes trust and accountability.

He linked Nigeria's issues with kidnapping, banditry, and insurgency to failures in addressing human security needs.