Economy, Security Inseparable – Says Gbenga Daniel

Former Ogun State Governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has said Nigeria cannot achieve a strong economy without adequate security, stressing that both are inseparably linked to the country’s future.

Daniel stated this on Thursday while delivering his preliminary remarks at a lecture on “Economy and Security: The Future of Nigeria” held at the Sheraton Hotel, Lagos.

He said while Nigeria’s economy had shown encouraging signs, including a reported 4.43 per cent growth in the second quarter of 2026, the real measure of economic progress should be the impact on the daily lives of Nigerians.

According to him, economic growth must translate into decent jobs for young people, safe access to farms for farmers, competitive production for manufacturers and an enabling environment for small businesses and investors.

Daniel described security as an essential component of economic infrastructure, arguing that insecurity directly affects food production, transportation, business competitiveness and investment.

“When farmers are afraid to cultivate their land, food production suffers. When roads are unsafe, the cost of transporting goods rises. When businesses spend excessively on protection, their competitiveness declines,” he said.

He noted that the reported abduction of more than 7,800 people between July 2025 and June 2026 should not be viewed merely as a security statistic but also as an economic warning.

The senator, however, expressed optimism about Nigeria’s prospects, citing the country’s youthful population, entrepreneurial culture, growing technology sector, financial institutions and vibrant creative economy.

He urged the government to create conditions that would enable these strengths to translate into productive jobs, higher incomes and improved living standards.

Nigeria Must Move Beyond Oil

Daniel also called for greater attention to the non-oil economy, noting that the sector accounted for approximately 95.8 per cent of real GDP in the second quarter of 2026.

He identified agriculture, manufacturing, technology, construction, financial services, tourism, entertainment and the digital economy as key sectors capable of driving Nigeria’s future prosperity.

He stressed the need to equip young Nigerians with skills, employment opportunities, access to capital and technology.

“If we give our young people opportunity, they will build Nigeria. If we deny them opportunity, frustration will grow and social stability will suffer,” he warned.

Lagos, Ogun Example

Daniel also highlighted Lagos and Ogun states as examples of what could be achieved when population, enterprise, infrastructure and opportunity are brought together.

He said the national challenge was to replicate such opportunities across the country, enabling young entrepreneurs in cities such as Aba, Kano, Ibadan, Jos, Port Harcourt and Maiduguri to operate with the same confidence as their counterparts in Lagos.

He concluded by urging Nigerians and policymakers to recognise that the country’s future would depend on decisions taken today.

“ If we secure our farms, we strengthen food security. If we secure our roads, we strengthen commerce. If we secure our communities, we attract investment. If we create jobs and invest in our young people, we strengthen social stability and the future of the nation,” Daniel said.

The senator said he remained optimistic about Nigeria because the country’s capacity was greater than its challenges.

“We have the people, the resources, the market and the entrepreneurial spirit. What we need is the security, leadership, infrastructure and discipline to convert potential into prosperity,” he added.