By Bavoriat Clara
The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser, has convened its first-ever High-Level Private Sector Consultative Dialogue in Abuja, marking a historic step toward institutionalising collaboration between government and industry in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
Welcoming participants, the National Coordinator of the NCTC, Major General Adamu Laka, stressed that terrorism had become increasingly complex, transnational, and technologically sophisticated, demanding a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. He said the private sector was not only a target but also a critical partner in strengthening Nigeria’s resilience.
“The Centre is committed to building a safer Nigeria where businesses thrive, investments grow, and innovation flourishes. Security is the foundation of prosperity, and it is our mandate to ensure that foundation remains strong,” Laka said.
He disclosed that the review of the National Counter Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST) and the Policy Framework and National Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) was ongoing, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expected to relaunch the updated frameworks in October 2025. He added that the Centre’s Strategic Plan (2025–2030) would further consolidate Nigeria’s role as the Regional Centre of Excellence for Counterterrorism in West Africa and the Sahel.
Representatives of the private sector pledged their commitment to this new partnership.
The Managing Director of TAJBank, Mr. Hamid Joda, shared practical experiences of how insecurity has frustrated expansion plans and discouraged foreign investors. He narrated how a potential Bahraini investor lost interest in Nigeria after receiving news of a terrorist attack. “Terrorism does not only take lives; it undermines investments, stalls development, and denies communities the growth they deserve,” Joda warned, pledging the financial sector’s support in combating terrorist financing.
In her goodwill message, Mrs. Beatrice Eyong, UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, commended the NCTC’s initiative, urging that gender perspectives and the voices of women be fully integrated into counterterrorism strategies. She reminded participants that women and girls are disproportionately affected by violent extremism yet remain underrepresented in peacebuilding efforts.
Mrs. Abimbola Onakomaiya, President of the Professional Insurance Ladies Association (PILA), emphasised the insurance industry’s critical role in risk management and recovery support. She recalled the sector’s contribution during the EndSARS protests, when billions of naira in claims were paid, pledging similar commitment to terrorism-affected businesses and communities.
Also speaking, Mr. Maher Giundi, Managing Partner of Pathfinder Consulting Group, highlighted the severe economic toll of insecurity, noting its impact on agriculture, food security, inflation, foreign investment, and human capital flight. He warned that insecurity is not only a security threat but an economic crisis, requiring bold reforms and stronger private–public synergy.
The dialogue identified priority areas for private sector involvement, including co-funding local action plans, investing in youth empowerment and entrepreneurship, supporting research and strategic communications, driving gender-responsive programmes, and providing infrastructure and humanitarian relief.
At the end of the session, participants agreed on the need for a joint coordination mechanism between government and business leaders to safeguard Nigeria’s markets, infrastructure, and communities.
On behalf of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Major General Laka thanked stakeholders for their commitment, declaring the dialogue a turning point in the quest for a secure, resilient, and prosperous Nigeria.
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