‘The Cost of Insecurity’

Jude Maduka

—Jude Maduka, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ocean Star Services Limited and Chairman, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Tincan Island chapter
By Chidibere Onyemaizu
At 51, Nigeria is laying prostrate to debilitating insecurity. In what ways are this state of affair, in your view affecting the business environment?
Of course, no good investor, whether foreign or local will like to invest in an unsecured environment. The truth of the matter is that the current insecurity in Nigeria is affecting micro-economy. In the maritime sector for example, about three weeks ago, security agencies raided the ports and herded many people into detention. And this included genuine Customs clearing agents. For example a lawyer who operates in the sector was one of those arrested. The lawyer and the genuine clearing agents who were arrested are no security threats, they were going about their legitimate transactions at the ports. You can now see how insecurity in the country affect micro businesses. Everybody is afraid.
At 51, do you think Nigeria should be passing this phase?
I will answer yes and no. Yes because Western democracies, Western countries at one time or the other in their political evolution experienced what Nigeria is currently experiencing. And no because our political leaders are not ready to learn from the experiences of such Western countries. These leaders travel to those countries and see how efficient the systems there are, yet they find it difficult to take a cue from them. I think our leaders are not ready to show leadership. They are only interested in satisfying their needs and those of their families and cronies.
How do you think the government should secure the country?
Security agencies should be equipped to do their job. There should also be inter agency information gathering and sharing. Security gadgets should also be installed in strategic places. For example the authorities are currently taking steps to forestall security breach at the ports by installing such gadgets. As I said earlier, if you look back to history, you will notice that many western countries have in the past suffered what Nigeria is currently suffering but I believe we will overcome our challenges if our leaders are sincere and accountable to the people.
As Nigeria clocks 51, what is your advice for the country’s political leaders?
They should be upright and deliver on their promises to the people.