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Former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Ogun State 2027 governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, and other stakeholders have identified security, strong institutions and good governance as preconditions for Nigeria’s economic growth and future.
They made their presentation on Thursday in Lagos at the seventh annual conference organized by SWAAYA Ltd., publisher of Freedom Online.
The conference, held in Ikeja, had as its theme: “Elections 2027: Economy, Security and the Future of Nigeria”.
Mohammed, chairman of the event, said security is a prerequisite for economic growth, underlining the need for political stability and economic inclusion.
“It is important to note, first, that security is the precondition for economic growth.
“No business thrives in an atmosphere of uncertainty and no foreign or local investor deploys capital where security cannot be guaranteed.
“In turn, political stability depends on economic inclusion,” Mohammed said.
Mohammed said the 2027 elections should not be reduced to a competition for political power, but should contribute to continuity, nation-building and stronger democratic institutions.
He said: “Politics must never be allowed to override governance.
“The true measure of our democratic progress is whether our election results will strengthen institutions, bolster investor confidence, and ensure peace in our communities.
“Second, the 2027 elections must be seen not simply as a contest for power, but as a commitment to continuity and nation-building.”
He said Nigeria was facing difficult challenges in security and economic reform, adding the problems required patience, coherence, institutional strengthening and national cooperation.
“When young people are in paid employment and see a clear path to self-realization, the political space becomes much less susceptible to electoral manipulation and violence.
“It is also important to recognize that the federal government is facing some very difficult challenges in the areas of security and economic reform.
“These are not challenges that can be solved overnight,” he added.
Mohammed said the federal government’s efforts to stabilize the economy, attract investment and improve security deserved constructive engagement from stakeholders.
“They require coherence, patience, institutional strengthening and, above all, national cooperation.
“The Administration’s efforts to stabilize the economy, attract investment, improve security, and create a more sustainable foundation for growth deserve constructive engagement from all stakeholders.
“What I will offer, as President, is simply this reflection: As we look to 2027, our collective duty, as citizens, as media, as leaders, is to strengthen the foundations already laid, not simply criticize them.”
Mohammed also highlighted the role of the media in shaping the national debate, particularly during election periods, urging journalists to promote responsible and truthful reporting.
In his remarks, Adebutu said capitalism cannot thrive in an environment where laws, institutions and security are weak.
“The system will fail where there is no desire to make our institutions strong for a strong economy and strong security.
“Who will invest money and put their future in a system where security is not guaranteed?
“In truth, wealthy people keep their money out of the country due to the lack of transparency and security in the system,” he said.
Adebutu denounced political polarization and called for stronger institutions and transparent elections that reflected the will of the people.
He said: “We are so polarized that the idea of one Nigeria is failing. To build a prosperous future, our institutions must be strong and with a strong desire to uphold our laws. Our elections must be transparent and credible.”
He said stakeholders, including the media, must be courageous enough to speak truth to power without fear of persecution.
“This is our duty. We have no other country, we believe in one Nigeria,” Adebutu said.
Femi Adesina, a former presidential spokesperson and former president of the Nigerian Publishers Guild, said Nigeria’s future depends on a strong economy and improved security.
“Things are undoubtedly very difficult in Nigeria, without the economy being revived and security improved, what future do we have?
“We are in a very difficult moment, but we will not give up,” Adesina said.
Chief Gani Adams, Aare Oba Kakanfo of Yorubaland, has called on President Bola Tinubu to expedite processes towards the implementation of the state police to improve security and investor confidence.
“The state police is the best way to solve our insecurity problem in Nigeria. If allowed, I am sure that within a few months we will forget about insecurity. The President should please expedite this process,” he said.
In his welcome address, Gabriel Akinadewo, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Freedom Online, called for fundamental reforms in Nigeria’s governance system to address insecurity, economic challenges and development deficits.
Akinadewo said Nigeria must separate politics from governance and development, stressing that “we have a four-year electoral cycle but unfortunately there is no four-year development cycle.”
He said the country needs to modernize its laws and security architecture to reflect contemporary realities, stressing that “we cannot continue to use the system adopted in the 1960s to govern Nigeria in 2026 and beyond.”
Akinadewo particularly supported state policing and restructuring, arguing that decentralization of security would improve understanding of local security challenges.
“Insecurity, which has become a monster and threatens to consume the nation-state called Nigeria, must be addressed,” he said.
Akinadewo also urged Nigerians to use the 2027 post-election period to pursue fundamental changes and reorder the country’s value system, adding that “restructuring is critical to ensuring rapid development of this country.”
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos was the special guest, while Senator Gbenga Daniel was the special guest of honor at the conference.
