Security, strong institutions, transparent elections and good governance have been identified as critical foundations for Nigeria’s economic growth and long-term development.
Former Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, and 2027 Ogun State PDP governorship candidate, Mr Ladi Adebutu, made the submission on Thursday at the 7th Yearly Lecture organised by SWAAYA Ltd., publishers of Freedom Online, in Lagos.
The lecture, themed “2027 Elections: Economy, Security and Nigeria’s Future,” brought together political leaders, media professionals and other stakeholders to examine the relationship between Nigeria’s political choices, security situation and economic prospects.
Mohammed, who chaired the occasion, said security remained a fundamental precondition for economic growth because businesses and investors could not operate effectively in an atmosphere of uncertainty.
“No business thrives in an atmosphere of uncertainty, and no foreign or local investor deploys capital where safety cannot be guaranteed,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of political stability and economic inclusion, arguing that the 2027 elections should go beyond competition for political power and contribute to nation-building and stronger democratic institutions.
According to him, Nigeria’s current security and economic challenges require consistency, patience, institutional strengthening and national cooperation rather than short-term political responses.
Mohammed urged stakeholders to engage constructively with ongoing efforts to stabilise the economy, attract investment and improve security, while calling on the media to promote responsible and truthful reporting, particularly during the election period.
Adebutu similarly argued that capitalism could not thrive where institutions, laws and security systems were weak.
He called for stronger institutions, transparent and credible elections, and greater commitment to the rule of law, warning that insecurity and lack of transparency could discourage investment and encourage capital flight.
“We are polarised so much that the idea of one Nigeria is failing. To build a prosperous future, our institutions have to be strong with strong desire to keep our laws. Our elections have to be transparent and credible,” he said.
Former presidential spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, said Nigeria could not secure a meaningful future without reviving the economy and improving national security.
“We are in a very difficult time, but we are not going to give up,” he said.
The Aare Oba Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Adams, advocated the establishment of state police as part of efforts to address insecurity and improve investor confidence.
Adams urged President Bola Tinubu to accelerate the process, arguing that decentralised policing would provide a more effective response to local security challenges.
In his welcome address, the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Freedom Online, Mr Gabriel Akinadewo, called for fundamental reforms in Nigeria’s governance and security architecture.
He argued that politics should be separated from governance and development, noting that Nigeria had a four-year electoral cycle but lacked a corresponding cycle of sustained development.
Akinadewo also advocated restructuring and state police, saying the country needed laws and security arrangements capable of responding to contemporary realities.
He urged Nigerians to use the period after the 2027 elections to pursue deeper institutional reforms and changes to the country’s value system.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was the Special Guest Speaker, while former Ogun State Governor, Sen. Gbenga Daniel, was the Special Guest of Honour.
