By BONIFACE AKARAH

Senator Gbenga Daniel has warned that Nigeria cannot achieve lasting economic growth without security, describing the reported abduction of more than 7,800 people between July 2025 and June 2026 as not only a security concern but also an economic warning.

Daniel spoke on Thursday at the 7th Freedom Online Yearly Lecture held at the Sheraton Hotel, Lagos, where he delivered preliminary remarks on the theme, “Economy and Security: The Future of Nigeria.”

According to him, security and economic development are inseparable, as insecurity affects food production, transportation, business competitiveness and investor confidence.

“Nigeria cannot have a strong economy without security, and it cannot have lasting security without a strong economy. The two are inseparable,” he said.

Daniel acknowledged what he described as encouraging signs in the Nigerian economy, including 4.43 per cent growth in the second quarter of 2026, with agriculture and services recording improvements.

However, he said economic progress should not be measured by GDP figures alone but by the impact on ordinary Nigerians.

“Can a young person find decent work? Can a farmer safely reach the farm? Can a manufacturer produce competitively? Can a small business survive the cost of power, transport and finance? Can investors commit their resources with confidence?” he asked.

The former Ogun State governor said these questions were directly connected to the country’s security situation, arguing that security should be treated as part of Nigeria’s economic infrastructure rather than solely as a responsibility of the military, police and other security agencies.

He explained that farmers who could not safely access their farms would reduce food production, while insecurity on roads would increase transportation costs. He added that businesses forced to spend heavily on security would become less competitive, while communities living in fear would discourage investment.

“The reported abduction of more than 7,800 people between July 2025 and June 2026 is therefore not only a security statistic. It is also an economic warning,” Daniel said.

From Oil Wealth to Human Wealth

Daniel also called for a shift from overdependence on oil, noting that the non-oil sector accounted for approximately 95.8 per cent of real GDP in the second quarter of 2026.

He listed agriculture, manufacturing, technology, construction, financial services, tourism, entertainment and the digital economy among the sectors that could drive Nigeria’s future growth.

“Our task is to convert these sectors into productive jobs, higher incomes and better living standards,” he said.

Daniel placed particular emphasis on Nigeria’s young population, saying young Nigerians needed practical opportunities rather than speeches.

“They need more than speeches. They need skills, employment, access to capital, technology and a society in which enterprise and hard work can lead to a better life,” he said.

He warned that failure to create opportunities for young people could have consequences for social stability.

“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 said.

Daniel Cites Lagos, Ogun Example

The senator also pointed to Lagos and neighbouring Ogun State as examples of what could happen when population, enterprise, infrastructure and opportunity come together.

He acknowledged that both states faced challenges but said their experience demonstrated the productive capacity of Nigerians when the right conditions existed.

Daniel called for similar opportunities to be extended across the country, saying young entrepreneurs in places such as Aba, Kano, Ibadan, Jos, Port Harcourt and Maiduguri should be able to operate with the same confidence as their counterparts in Lagos.

Concluding his remarks, Daniel expressed optimism about Nigeria despite the challenges facing the country.

I remain optimistic about Nigeria—not because our problems are small, but because our capacity is greater than our problems,” he said

He identified security, leadership, infrastructure and discipline as key requirements for turning Nigeria’s human and economic potential into prosperity.

Daniel then handed over to the main lecturer, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to address the gathering on the future of Nigeria’s economy and security.