Deputy Speaker Kalu Urges Legislative Reforms to Tackle Insecurity

By Oluwakemi Kindness

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has called for structural and legislative reforms to address Nigeria’s rising insecurity, warning that military responses alone are insufficient.

Speaking on Tuesday during a plenary session on national security, Kalu noted that while Nigeria possesses strong laws, weak enforcement, poor coordination, and inconsistent policies have allowed kidnappings, banditry, and violent attacks to persist.

“Nigeria has strong deterrent laws, but implementation remains weak. Legislative solutions are required to bridge gaps in policing, justice, and security,” he said.

Key Solutions Proposed by Kalu:
• Ban unstructured amnesty deals and ransom payments: Negotiating with kidnappers emboldens criminal networks and undermines justice.
• Police reform and predictable funding: The Nigerian Police Force requires transparent, audited, and consistent financing. State and community policing reforms are also critical.
• Regulate military technology: Introduce a Drone Act to ensure the ethical use of drones and military equipment, protect civilians, and enforce accountability.
• Strengthen parliamentary oversight: Committees should monitor security operations, disarmament programs, and community policing to ensure policies are effective.
Kalu criticized the current “fire brigade approach,” where security forces respond only after attacks occur, emphasizing that proactive legislative action is essential for sustainable security.

“We cannot negotiate with those who kidnap our children or terrorize our communities. Our laws must be enforced, and parliament must take the lead in structured, enforceable reforms,” he stated.

He also highlighted the broader impact of insecurity on education, agriculture, and economic development, calling for urgent reform to protect citizens and national progress.