Building a Safer Nation: Why Engineers and Town Planners Are Key to Fighting Insecurity

 

​The battle against insecurity in Nigeria is taking a professional turn as the government identifies urban design and structural integrity as vital weapons in the fight against crime. In a recent high-level discourse, engineers and town planners were urged to help the government fight insecurity by integrating safety-conscious designs into the nation’s infrastructure. This call to action highlights the growing realization that physical environments—if poorly planned—can become breeding grounds for criminal activities. From the layout of our streets to the resilience of our public buildings, the technical expertise of these professionals is now being positioned as a cornerstone for a more secure and stable society.

​The Intersection of Infrastructure and National Security

​For years, the conversation around national security has been dominated by military hardware and intelligence gathering. However, the Nigerian government is now shifting focus toward "Environmental Criminology." This field of study suggests that the way we build our cities directly impacts the ease with which criminals operate.

​During a recent professional gathering on February 18, 2026, stakeholders emphasized that a city with blind alleys, unlit streets, and abandoned building projects is a city that invites danger. By collaborating with the government, engineers and town planners can ensure that new developments prioritize visibility and accessibility—two elements that naturally deter criminal behavior.

​Why Town Planners are the First Line of Defense

​Town planners hold the blueprint for the future of Nigeria’s urban centers. Their role in fighting insecurity is proactive rather than reactive. When a town planner designs a layout, they aren't just placing roads and houses; they are determining how security agencies will respond to emergencies.

​1. Eliminating "Dark Spots"

​Poorly planned urban areas often contain "no-go zones" where police vehicles cannot navigate. Town planners are being urged to design wider road networks and open spaces that eliminate these hideouts. Proper zoning ensures that residential areas are not isolated from commercial hubs, providing a natural surveillance system through constant human activity.

​2. Addressing Slum Proliferation

​Unregulated urban sprawl often leads to the creation of slums, which are difficult to police due to a lack of formal addresses and navigable paths. By enforcing strict town planning laws and creating affordable, structured housing, these professionals can help the government monitor population movements and reduce the anonymity that criminals thrive on.

​The Role of Engineers in Technological Integration

​If town planners provide the "where," engineers provide the "how." The modern fight against insecurity is heavily dependent on technology, and engineers are the architects of this digital and physical integration.

• ​Smart City Technology: Engineers are being called upon to integrate CCTV networks, motion sensors, and smart street lighting into the national grid.
• ​Safe Public Infrastructure: From bridges to government secretariats, engineers must ensure that public buildings are "hardened" against attacks. This includes the use of blast-resistant materials and the design of secure entry and exit points.
• ​Telecommunications Support: Engineers play a critical role in maintaining the communication towers and data centers that security agencies rely on for real-time intelligence sharing.

​Professional Ethics and the Fight Against Corruption

​A major takeaway from the government’s plea is the need for professional integrity. Insecurity is often exacerbated by "structural failures"—not just of buildings, but of systems. When engineers approve substandard materials or town planners accept bribes to overlook illegal structures, they inadvertently create security risks.

​Illegal structures often block access for fire trucks and security vans during crises. Therefore, the call to fight insecurity is also a call to uphold the highest ethical standards. By refusing to compromise on building codes and planning regulations, these professionals can prevent the physical and social decay that leads to rising crime rates.

​Government-Professional Partnerships: The Way Forward

​The government cannot do it alone. For Nigeria to achieve a significant reduction in crime, there must be a seamless partnership between the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), and national security agencies.

​Recommendations for this partnership include:

1. ​Security Impact Assessments (SIA): Making it mandatory for all major construction projects to undergo a security audit before approval.
2. ​Infrastructure Mapping: Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) developed by engineers to help police map out high-crime areas and response routes.
3. ​Youth Engagement through Construction: Engaging the youth in professional engineering and planning projects to reduce the unemployment that often leads to social unrest.

​Conclusion

​The call for engineers and town planners to help the government fight insecurity marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s developmental strategy. It recognizes that a secure nation is built on the foundation of a well-planned environment. As these professionals step up to the challenge, the focus shifts from merely reacting to crime to designing a society where crime has no place to hide. The success of this initiative will not only lead to safer streets but also to a more prosperous and organized Nigeria.