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A retired naval officer, Commodore Promise Dappah, has urged the Federal Government to allocate more funds to security rather than pursuing other projects in the country.
Dappah expressed this viewpoint on ‘Sunday Politics’, a program on Channels Television that was monitored by DAILY POST.
He discussed national security, emphasizing that the safety of the nation should be prioritized above all else.
“What I am advocating is the concept of securitization. When a nation faces such circumstances, security must take precedence over everything else,” he stated.
“For instance, a country like Algeria, which is not encountering the same level of challenges we face, invests up to 10% of their GDP in defense. So, what are we discussing? Meanwhile, we, who are deeply entrenched in insecurity, allocate less than 1% of our GDP to defense, yet we indulge in constructing extravagant projects across the country.”
“If people do not feel safe, then the country is not safe. How can you justify building projects? What could possibly be more important than ensuring the security of the nation? You may build bridges or create illusions of progress, but you could wake up tomorrow to find everything has collapsed.”
“Therefore, I believe we must prioritize security issues. Security should be the foremost concern. The government must redirect a significant portion of resources towards the defense of this country and its citizens,” he concluded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is security a priority for the nation?
Security is essential as it ensures the safety of citizens and the stability of the nation, allowing for progress and development to occur without the threat of violence or unrest.
How does Nigeria's defense spending compare to other countries?
Nigeria spends less than 1% of its GDP on defense, which is significantly lower than countries like Algeria, which allocates up to 10% of its GDP to defense despite facing fewer challenges.
What does "securitization" mean in this context?
Securitization refers to the prioritization of security concerns, indicating that in times of crisis, addressing security issues should take precedence over other national projects or initiatives.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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