Experts Urge Restructuring of Nigeria's Security Office

Experts have called for the restructuring of Nigeria's Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to effectively tackle security risks associated with hunger and disease. The report titled "Beyond Gun Boot" was authored by Oliv Aniunoh and Chinecherem Maryjam Nneli from Nextier.

They argue that Nigeria's national security system is overly focused on military responses, neglecting broader threats to citizen welfare and state stability. The report highlights the urgent need for a multidisciplinary hub that includes public health experts, economists, climate scientists, and infrastructure specialists.

It cites the alarming statistics of 1,148 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and 215 deaths across 22 states, alongside 35 million Nigerians facing acute food insecurity during the 2026 lean season, particularly in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states. The experts recommend a realignment of the national security budget to prioritize preventive strategies and address the interconnected risks of health, food, energy, and environmental challenges.