The Executive Secretary of the Society for Neighbourhood Peace and Development, SONPED, Barrister George Utomhim, has called on the Federal Government to provide real-time funding and appropriate equipment to the Ministry of Defence and its formations.

Barrister Utomhim warned that delays in releasing adequate funds and modern equipment are not only dampening the morale of Nigeria’s gallant soldiers but also exposing them to unnecessary risks and attacks from enemies of the nation.

He emphasised that prioritising good governance, strengthening institutional capacity, and building competent policy frameworks are vital to overcoming challenges that hinder timely support for the nation’s security apparatus. According to him, swift action on defence needs is not only essential for national stability but also a key ingredient for sustainable growth.

Barrister Utomhim urged political leaders to re-evaluate the socio-economic realities of the country and urgently revisit development priorities across all sectors of governance. He stressed that delivering on the real-time needs of the Defence Ministry should take precedence, especially as the Renewed Hope Agenda is anchored on responsive and responsible governance that delivers results to citizens, not mere policy statements.

While acknowledging that societies evolve in response to their social environments, he firmly stated that Nigeria cannot allow communities to become war zones dominated by bandits and other criminal elements.

“We cannot afford to lack credible solutions to the challenges of insufficient real-time funding and equipment for our defence forces,” he added. “We must build strong frameworks and structured policies that enhance institutional efficiency, promote sufficiency in service delivery, and encourage active citizenship participation in governance. This includes strengthening community federations to support the protection of lives and property, while reinforcing central response mechanisms.”

The Society for Neighbourhood Peace and Development reiterated its commitment to supporting national security initiatives and fostering collaborative efforts between citizens and government for a safer, more secure Nigeria.