By Peace Erewunmi

As governors gather in Abuja to discuss issues affecting the country, Nigeria’s worsening security situation is expected to remain one of the most pressing concerns demanding urgent attention.

And rightly so.

Across different parts of the country, Nigerians continue to live with the fear of kidnapping, banditry, terrorism and violent attacks. Communities have been displaced, families have lost loved ones, and many citizens now travel with a level of fear that should not be normal in any society.

The question, however, is not whether government officials should meet to discuss insecurity.

The real question is: What happens after the meeting?

For many Nigerians, meetings, emergency discussions and security briefings have become familiar. What they want to see now is the translation of these discussions into practical results.

A governor may understand the security challenges within his or her state better than anyone sitting in Abuja. Governors are closer to the affected communities, understand the local terrain and receive direct reports from residents.

This makes cooperation between state governments and federal security agencies extremely important.

Security cannot be effectively addressed when every level of government works independently.

The Federal Government has responsibility for the major security agencies, but state governments also have important roles to play in intelligence gathering, community engagement, logistics and addressing local conditions that allow insecurity to thrive.

Therefore, this meeting should not end with another statement assuring Nigerians that government is “concerned” about their safety.

Nigerians already know that the government is aware of the crisis.

What they need is evidence that the crisis is being brought under control.

There must be better intelligence sharing.

There must be faster responses to security threats.

Communities must be listened to when they raise alarms.

Security personnel must have the resources and support required to do their jobs effectively.

And most importantly, there must be accountability.

Every Nigerian deserves to live, work, travel and sleep without constantly worrying about becoming the next victim of kidnapping or violence.

The security crisis has gone beyond being a regional problem. Its effects are being felt across the country and are affecting economic activities, education, agriculture and the general confidence of citizens.

This is why the Abuja meeting must be more than a gathering of political leaders.

It must become an opportunity to develop practical, coordinated and measurable solutions.

Nigerians are tired of hearing that insecurity is being discussed.

They want to see communities becoming safer.

The true success of any meeting on national security will not be measured by the number of governors in attendance or the length of the discussions.

It will be measured by what happens afterwards.

Will kidnappings reduce?

Will communities become safer?

Will Nigerians regain confidence in their ability to travel and live without fear?

Those are the answers Nigerians are waiting for.