The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) leader, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Garba Laka, recently highlighted the pressing need for the comprehensive review of Nigeria's counter-terrorism strategy, NACTEST 2016. This evaluation is not only about updating policies but is also a response to the dynamic nature of terrorist tactics as influenced by contemporary technological advancements and socio-political vulnerabilities.
During the stakeholders meeting held on Tuesday in Abuja, Laka articulated how terrorist organizations have been able to adapt to the changing security environment. He noted, “This dynamic nature of the threat...necessitates a comprehensive review of NACTEST to...counter terrorism in Nigeria.” Laka emphasized the urgency of realigning the strategy to effectively combat these shifting threats.
It has already been seven years since the original NACTEST was published, significantly enough time for terrorist tactics to evolve. The NCTC's mandate includes coordinating the efforts of security, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies, which has become increasingly challenging as the threats continue to morph. This reiteration is part of the NCTC's role, as Laka stated, to maintain “a more structured and effective counterterrorism approach.”
Commodore Ahmad Madawaki, the Director of Policy and Strategy at the NCTC, also highlighted the need for collaboration among various stakeholders. He remarked on the impact of the Orosanye Report, which caused significant reform within Nigeria’s public sector, affecting multiple government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDGs). This restructuring, he argues, calls for reassessment of the NACTEST stakeholder list, as new groups have emerged with different responsibilities.
On another front entirely, the financial industry is facing its own form of existential threat—relevance amid rapid technological advances and shifting client expectations. According to various members of the Forbes Finance Council, financial firms must embrace innovation at all levels to not only stay competitive but also secure client trust and loyalty. "Financial firms must embrace innovation and invest in the right technology," affirmed Omar Choucair of Trintech, highlighting the need for technological upgrades and adaptation to mobile-friendly applications.
Understanding the client is at the heart of the modern business model. Lindsey Downing of TransUnion emphasized, “Keep the consumer at the center of all you do...hyper-personalization experiences to customers.” Such sentiments echo across the financial sector, demonstrating the industry’s shift to more client-centric frameworks.
The integration of upcoming technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain, as discussed by Anatoly Iofe of IceBridge Financial Group, can facilitate the development of personalized services. AI combines with customer-focused strategies to create significant value, addressing the imperative need to remain relevant by adapting to consumer demands.
Both sectors—national security and finance—stress the importance of partnerships and collaborative communication. For NCTC, inter-agency cooperation is fundamental, and during the review of NACTEST, stakeholders from government, security institutions and civil societies are sought to contribute insights for aligning the strategy with present-day realities.
On the financial side, integrating newer technologies with legacy systems calls for specialized solutions to augment existing structures for improved service delivery. It is not merely about adopting cutting-edge tech; it’s about ensuring these innovations align with clients’ needs and build trust.
“The secret to relevance? Adaptability fueled by continuous learning,” remarked another finance leader, Sonya Thadhani Mughal from Bailard, Inc. The concept of continuous learning rings similar across all industries: the ability to pivot based on market demands and technological advances is imperative for long-term survival.
The conclusion is clear: whether combating terrorism or maintaining relevance within the financial sector, the continuous evolution and adaptability of strategies are imperative. The insistence on holistic approaches—both proactive and reactive—to month-to-month nuances strengthens the resolve of these sectors to navigate their respective challenges rationally and effectively. Indeed, staying relevant means recognizing the changing world around us and proactively adjusting our strategies to meet these new demands head-on.