Nigeria’s highways have long been plagued by insecurity, with travelers often vulnerable to attacks from bandits and other criminal groups. In a recent interview, Professor Pat Utomi, a renowned political economist, suggested a forward‑thinking solution: deploying drones to monitor and secure Nigeria’s highways Daily Post Nigeria thecabal.ng. His proposal highlights the urgent need for innovative approaches to national security.
Why Drones?
Utomi’s reasoning is straightforward yet compelling:
- Limited
highway network – Nigeria does not have an overwhelming number of
highways, making aerial surveillance feasible Daily
Post Nigeria, thecabal.ng.
- Early
detection – Drones can spot suspicious activity in bushes or along
road edges before criminals strike.
- Cost‑effective
monitoring – Compared to manned patrols, drones provide continuous
coverage with fewer resources.
- Deterrence factor – Visible drone surveillance could discourage attacks and reassure travellers.
The Call to Action
Utomi emphasized that state governors must collaborate
to implement drone surveillance. He criticized what he described as a poor
national attitude toward tackling insecurity, arguing that protecting highways
should be a straightforward priority if truly valued
His words resonate strongly: “There should be aerial
surveillance, drones over those roads… they will see them long before anybody
even tries to come out to the road to attack anybody.”
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced
safety for commuters and transporters
- Boost
to economic activity as safer highways encourage trade and travel
- Improved
public confidence in government’s ability to protect citizens
- Integration
with modern security systems, such as AI‑powered threat detection
Challenges Ahead
While promising, drone deployment faces hurdles:
- Funding
and maintenance – High‑quality drones and trained operators require
investment.
- Coordination
among states – Security is often fragmented across jurisdictions.
- Legal
and privacy concerns – Drone surveillance must balance safety with
civil liberties.
- Infrastructure
support – Reliable communication networks are needed for real‑time
monitoring.
Conclusion
Professor Utomi’s proposal is more than a technological
suggestion—it’s a wake‑up call for Nigerian leaders to prioritize
highway safety. By embracing drones, Nigeria could transform its approach to
security, ensuring that highways become safe corridors for commerce and travel.
In a nation where insecurity has hindered growth, drones
may well become the eyes in the sky that restore confidence and protect lives.
