The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Digital, Information Communication Technology, and Cybersecurity, Hon. Adedeji Stanley Dhikrullahi Olajide (Odidiomo), has called for a comprehensive, homegrown approach to combating terrorism in Nigeria.
Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the House Ad-hoc Committee investigating allegations made by a U.S. Congressman against the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) regarding alleged terrorism funding, Hon. Olajide emphasized the need for indigenous solutions to Nigeria’s security challenges.
The PDP lawmaker, who is a ranking member of the House, stressed that while international collaboration remains important, Nigeria must develop a self-sustaining security strategy that prioritizes intelligence gathering, community-driven initiatives, and synergy among security agencies.
“Our security framework must be robust enough to neutralize threats at their roots. The involvement of local communities, traditional rulers, and grassroots intelligence operatives cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
Hon. Olajide also underscored the importance of transparency in NGO operations within Nigeria, stressing that the ongoing investigation would ensure that foreign aid aligns with national security interests.
Representing Ibadan North-West/Ibadan South-West Federal Constituency, he reaffirmed his committee’s commitment to strengthening cybersecurity policies to curb the spread of extremist ideologies in the digital space.