Speaker
Description
Boniface, O. E.
College of Education, Oju
edorogwola@gmail.com
Track: Research, Innovation and Knowledge Ecosystems
ABSTRACT
This study examines the role of research and innovation in strengthening security for sustainable socioeconomic development in Nigeria. Security remains a fundamental pre-requisite for economic growth, political stability, social cohesion, and national development. However, Nigeria continues to face numerous security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping cybercrime, communal conflicts and militancy, which have negatively affected investment, productivity, education and the overall quality of life of citizens the study argues that effective research and innovation approaches are essential for addressing the security threats and promoting sustainable development. The paper highlights the importance of evidence-based policy making, technological innovation, intelligence gathering, surveillance systems, artificial intelligence cybersecurity measures and community-based security strategies in combating insecurity. It further examines how collaboration among government agencies, academic institutions, research organizations, private sector actors and local communities can generate innovative solutions to contemporary security challenges. The study also explores the relationship between security and socio-economic development, emphazing that improved security enhances investment opportunities, employment generation, infrastructure development and social welfare. The research concludes that strengthening security research innovation is critical to achieving sustainable solid economic development in Nigeria. It recommends increased funding for security related research, adoption of modern security personnel, enhanced public private partnerships, and greater integration of local knowledge into security management frameworks. These measures will contribute significantly to national stability, economic prosperity and the overall wellbeing of Nigerians.
Keywords. Research innovation security, socio-economic development.