LCCI advocates cross-border collaboration to tackle insecurity

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has stressed the need for cross-border collaboration and multi-pronged strategies to address insecurity and extremism.

The President, LCCI, Mr Gabriel Idahosa, said this known at the LCCI Security Meets Business Forum on Thursday in Lagos.

Idahosa, noting the intersection of security and economic prosperity, stressed the need to chart realistic and strategic course toward a safer and more resilient Nigeria.

He stated that peace and security were not accidental but products of intentional governance, inclusivity, and national unity.

“To make meaningful progress, we must embrace a multi-pronged strategy and must strengthen Public-Private Partnerships.

“These collaborative frameworks will allow businesses and government security agencies to share intelligence, optimise resource deployment, and coordinate rapid responses to threats,” he said.

The LCCI president also stated the importance of investing significantly in cybersecurity infrastructure.

This, he said, meant equipping businesses with Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven security systems, expanding digital literacy, and training a robust cybersecurity workforce to protect our growing digital economy.

Idahosa also said community engagement must become a cornerstone of national security.

According to him, development projects rooted in local ownership can reduce the appeal of crime and foster social cohesion in vulnerable areas.

“The challenges we face are formidable-yes, but they are not beyond our capacity to overcome.

“With unity of purpose, shared responsibility, and visionary leadership, we can turn today’s crisis into tomorrow’s triumph,” he said.

The Chairman, Board of Trustees, LCCI, Dr John Odeyemi, noted that businesses across Nigeria faced mounting challenges directly linked to the broader security environment.

Odeyemi said the forum was designed to respond to this reality as a platform to bridge the gap between security providers, policymakers, and business leaders.

He advocated robust contributions that would shape new policies, foster partnerships, and inspire practical solutions tailored to the realities of operating in Nigeria.

He stated that improving the country’s security situation required collaboration of multiple stakeholders, including government, private sector, security agencies, and civil society.

“The business community cannot thrive in isolation, hence, we must proactively work with the government and security agencies to develop sustainable solutions that safeguard lives and investments.

“It is no longer enough to rely solely on manpower for security enforcement. Nigeria must embrace technology-driven security solutions and big data analytics, to preempt and neutralise security threats.

“We cannot address the security challenges in Nigeria without confronting the root causes, which include poverty, unemployment, and social inequality.

“The business community must continue to create job opportunities and invest in human capital development, particularly in regions most affected by violence,” he said.

Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Adegoke Fayoade, said Nigeria Police Force had put in place, significant structures to combat threat in its bid to make Nigeria a haven for investment and development.

He stated the force’s support to position Nigeria as a choice investment designation, saying, without the security police provided, investors confidence would be corroded and service delivery disrupted.

Fayoade reiterated the force’s commitment to securing economic zones and transport corridors, pipeline, trade logistics and connectivity hubs.

He said the police would continue to leverage technology to transform security to advance national growth and development.

The Head of Department, Critical National Asset and Infrastructure Protection, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Agbetiloye Kolawole, advocated the importance of analysing the security and safety of an environment before setting up a business.

Kolawole who stressed the need for collaboration described security as everyone’s responsibility.