Security Sector Reform (SSR) In Nigeria: The Role of the Government, 1999-2019

Abstract

Since the commencement of democratic rule in 1999, the increasing rate of all insecurity has indicated that the security sector is not living up to its primary duty of protecting lives, property and the nation. Today, there is widespread kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, farmers/herdsmen conflict, bombings, and unknown gunmen shootings. While we may blame the security agencies for ineptitude, it is pertinent to note that the government also has a huge role to play in enabling the security agencies and the security sector in general to function effectively and efficiently, hence the need for reform. Adopting both descriptive and historical approaches to research and the social contract theory as a theoretical framework, the paper highlights the role of the government in security sector reform in Nigeria. It is of the view that if the government plays its role, such as re-orientation of the military, formulation of security and defence policies, investment in research and development, amendment of existing laws, re-establishment of a reliable national database system, and proper performance of oversight functions, inter alia, the security sector will live up to its mandate. The paper reiterates the need for security sector reform in order to create a secure society through a security sector that will be alert to its responsibilities as well as create a secure environment conducive to growth and development.