Adeyinka Famadewa, the presidential aide on homeland security, has unveiled a four-point agenda designed to overhaul Nigeria’s homeland security framework. The plan, presented after his inaugural coordination meeting with security agencies, prioritises a unified surveillance system, robust identity management, enhanced border security, and more responsive early warning and crisis response mechanisms.
Famadewa, a retired major general, disclosed the priorities in a statement issued on Friday, following the closed-door session held at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in Abuja. The gathering brought together heads of key ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), as well as security and regulatory bodies, to foster inter-agency collaboration.
Key agencies represented
Among those present were the Permanent Secretary of the Special Services Office, the Comptroller-General of Customs, the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU). Also in attendance were the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Director-General of the Office for Strategic Preparedness and Resilience (OSPRE), and representatives from the armed forces, intelligence agencies, ministries, and other security stakeholders.
The meeting centred on translating the four strategic priorities into practical frameworks that can address the nation’s evolving security challenges. Participants discussed how to improve intelligence sharing, adopt technology-driven solutions, and coordinate operations across different agencies.
The four strategic priorities
Famadewa outlined the following initiatives:
- Unified Surveillance Programme: to improve situational awareness across the country through enhanced monitoring and the use of advanced technology.
- Identity Management: to address anonymity concerns and reduce the use of anonymous platforms for criminal activities.
- Border Security: to curb cross-border crimes through greater inter-agency coordination, technology deployment, and intelligence-led operations.
- Early Warning, Crisis Reporting and Response: to enable timely detection of threats, coordinated decision-making, and rapid emergency response.
Presidential commitment and collaboration
Speaking at the meeting, Famadewa emphasised that President Bola Tinubu is committed to building “a secure, resilient and technology-driven homeland security ecosystem” capable of addressing both existing and emerging threats. He stressed that achieving this vision requires sustained collaboration, intelligence sharing, and coordinated action among all relevant institutions.
The presidential aide, appointed by Tinubu in May, explained that his office was created to complement, not replace, the work of existing security agencies. He commended the armed forces and other security bodies for their efforts in restoring peace across Nigeria, while also highlighting the importance of non-kinetic measures in strengthening societal resilience.
Addressing anonymity and digital threats
The renewed emphasis on identity management comes amid growing concerns that terrorist and organised criminal networks are exploiting gaps in Nigeria’s digital governance framework. According to earlier Premium Times reports, these groups increasingly depend on encrypted messaging platforms to coordinate attacks, recruit members, spread propaganda, and evade law enforcement.
Security experts have warned that weak identity management systems and fragmented digital governance make it easier for criminals to obtain multiple identities, use unregistered or fraudulently registered SIM cards, and hide behind anonymous online accounts. These vulnerabilities have been linked to terrorism, kidnapping, and financial crimes.
Authorities have consistently argued that strengthening digital identity systems, improving data integration across government agencies, and enhancing lawful intelligence capabilities are critical to disrupting these networks. At the same time, they acknowledge the need to balance these measures with citizens’ privacy rights.
Findings from security analyses
The strategies proposed by Famadewa echo findings from recent analyses of Nigeria’s security architecture. A Premium Times analysis highlighted how weak early warning systems and fragmented information-sharing continue to undermine counterterrorism efforts. The report suggested that interoperable digital platforms could help communities report threats before attacks occur.
Another Premium Times analysis on intelligence-led policing found that fragmented government databases, weak digital identity systems, and poor interoperability between agencies have limited the effectiveness of technology-driven security initiatives. The analysis argued that stronger digital governance and integrated identity systems are essential for improving intelligence gathering and law enforcement.
Next steps and commitments
Participants at the meeting reaffirmed their commitment to greater institutional synergy. They noted that Nigeria’s complex security challenges require a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, driven by collaboration, information sharing, technological innovation, and coordinated implementation.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to establish coordination mechanisms, hold regular stakeholder engagements, and develop implementation frameworks to translate the four strategic priorities into measurable outcomes.
