A former Deputy Inspector-General of Police, DIG Mohammed Usaini Gumel, has called for the activation of grassroots security structures across Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas as a critical step towards achieving the Federal Government’s US$1 trillion economic target.
Gumel made the call while advocating the implementation of the Project 774 Network, an initiative designed to strengthen collaboration between communities and formal security institutions in addressing insecurity and promoting development.
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He said economic reforms, infrastructure development, investment promotion, food security and industrialisation could not achieve their full potential without a secure environment.
According to him, investors need stability to commit resources, while farmers, manufacturers, traders and other economic actors require safe communities and transportation routes to operate effectively.
Gumel noted that many security challenges are experienced at the community level, stressing that sustainable solutions must therefore involve local communities.
He explained that the Project 774 Network seeks to mobilise communities, traditional institutions, religious bodies, local governments, civil society organisations, the private sector and statutory security agencies to work together in preventing threats and strengthening community resilience.
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“The network promotes structured community engagement, intelligence sharing, early warning and conflict prevention while strengthening, rather than replacing, existing security institutions,” he said.
Gumel described security as a form of productive capital, arguing that safer communities would create better conditions for agriculture, commerce, education, investment and employment.
He said secure farming communities could boost food production, while safer roads would facilitate the movement of goods and services and strengthen economic activities.
The former police chief urged the Federal Government to incorporate grassroots security partnerships into national economic planning, with Local Government Areas encouraged to establish sustainable security-development frameworks supported by technology, citizen participation and accountable governance.
He said the Project 774 Network was designed to complement the Renewed Hope Agenda by creating the conditions necessary for sustainable investment, industrial expansion, infrastructure development and inclusive economic growth.
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Gumel maintained that Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a US$1 trillion economy must begin with building safer and more resilient communities.
“Nation-building begins in the communities. Security begins in the communities. Prosperity begins in the communities,” he said.
