In line with its commitment to fostering transparency and accountability, the administration of President Bola Tinubu has launched the Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey (CESPS), a groundbreaking initiative that aims to provide data-driven insights into crime and security across Nigeria. Spearheaded by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the survey represents a significant shift in the way security issues are addressed in the country, moving away from conjecture and assumptions to a more fact-based approach in policy formulation and governance.
The launch of CESPS is a crucial step towards achieving the administration’s goal of promoting an inclusive and data-driven socio-economic agenda. Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communications, Daniel Bwala, emphasized the importance of providing Nigerians with data-driven governance, stating, “Nigerians deserve data-driven governance, and we’re delivering.” This initiative will play a key role in shaping future policies and ensuring that the government’s responses are based on actual data rather than generalized perceptions.
The CESPS report, based on a comprehensive nationwide survey, provides a detailed breakdown of crime experiences across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The figures reveal significant regional disparities in crime rates, with the North-West experiencing the highest crime incidence at 14.4 million incidents, while the South-East reported the lowest at 6.2 million incidents. Other regions reported the following: South West – 6.9 million incidents, South South – 7.7 million incidents, North East – 7.9 million incidents, and North Central – 8.8 million incidents. The report highlights that while the North-West faces the highest number of incidents, the South-East’s relatively low numbers reflect the positive impact of enhanced security efforts by the Nigerian government.
The Presidency attributes the improvements in the security situation to better coordination between military and paramilitary agencies, as well as collaborations with the private sector. These efforts have been guided by the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope agenda, which has focused on improving national security. Bwala pointed to key achievements, noting that compared to 2023, crime incidences in 2024 have seen a dramatic decline. In particular, there has been a reduction in kidnappings in the South, armed banditry in the North, and other security challenges across the country. This progress is viewed as a testament to the administration’s dedication to ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians.
The report also highlights the government’s success in addressing the activities of proscribed groups such as the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN). Additionally, the recent arrest of Finland-based agitator Simon Ekpa was noted as a significant development in curbing such activities. Furthermore, the report indicated a reduction in attacks on schools in the North, which signals progress in protecting vulnerable communities.
However, the CESPS report does not solely focus on security. It also acknowledges the ongoing economic challenges facing the country, particularly the slight increase in inflation. The Presidency explained that this uptick in inflation is primarily due to recent flood disasters in northern states, such as Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, and Gombe, which have disrupted agricultural activities in key food production regions. The Tinubu administration, however, responded swiftly to mitigate the impact of these floods on the economy and the Nigerian people. Among the measures taken was the release of 2.1 million bags of fertilizer to farmers nationwide, aimed at supporting the agricultural sector. Additionally, N30 billion was approved for the Federal Universities of Agriculture to promote mechanized farming, and truckloads of rice were distributed across all 36 states to address food shortages.
“The President’s swift response to the flood crisis reflects a leadership that prioritizes empathy and the well-being of ordinary Nigerians,” Bwala said, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to the people’s welfare.
The government, in partnership with the World Bank, has also earmarked $600 million for the repair of 200,000 kilometers of rural roads. This initiative is designed to improve food production and transportation infrastructure, thereby addressing food insecurity and stabilizing prices in the coming months.
Alongside these efforts, the Presidency pointed to significant progress in Nigeria’s economic recovery under President Tinubu’s leadership. When the administration took office, the country’s debt-to-revenue ratio was alarmingly high, standing at 97:3, a situation deemed unsustainable. However, through strategic fiscal policies, this ratio has been reduced to 68:32 within just one year. Other significant milestones include the payment of N7 billion in forex arrears and an increase in the country’s foreign reserves to over $40 billion. According to the Presidency, these achievements are indicative of a broader effort to reorient Nigeria’s economic trajectory towards sustainability and long-term prosperity.
“Transforming an economy under severe strain requires courage and strategic thinking. The Tinubu administration is reworking the governance architecture to ensure a more robust and thriving economy that benefits all Nigerians,” Bwala asserted, emphasizing the importance of bold action and visionary leadership.
As the CESPS initiative continues to gain momentum, the Presidency reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, security, and economic development. The Tinubu government remains steadfast in its determination to sustain the progress achieved so far and to continue delivering on its promise of a ‘Renewed Hope’ for all Nigerians. “The facts speak for themselves—‘res ipsa loquitor’,” Bwala declared, underscoring the administration’s focus on data-driven governance that delivers tangible, measurable results.