Nigeria’s security landscape presents unique challenges that highlight a critical need for innovation in public safety. With crime rates rising—spanning everything from armed robbery to kidnapping—the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) and other security agencies face difficulties due to limited technology, underfunding, and bureaucratic bottlenecks.

Citizens feel vulnerable not only in their homes but on the streets, with many communities left in the dark about real-time safety concerns and response efforts. Despite these challenges, Nigerian startups can play a pivotal role in transforming the security sector, with AI and blockchain poised as powerful tools to help build a safer nation.

While startups around the world are developing tech solutions to reduce crime, Nigerian founders are uniquely positioned to create solutions tailored to the country's peculiarities. Here are ways Nigerian startups can leverage AI, blockchain, and mobile accessibility to strengthen public safety, working in collaboration with the NPF and other stakeholders.

The Case for Startups in Public Safety Technology

Every Nigerian deserves to feel safe, yet we face a reality where security resources are stretched thin. Startups in countries like the U.S. are making waves in public safety tech. Flock Safety, for example, uses license plate recognition to solve over 10% of reported crimes, while Abel Police has created a platform that drastically reduces the time officers spend on paperwork. Nigerian startups have the potential to create solutions just as impactful, but tailored to our environment, focusing on the tools and approaches most accessible to citizens and law enforcement here.

Now, let’s look at specific ways Nigerian startups can address these needs with technology, starting with AI and blockchain:

Advanced Computer Vision for Community Surveillance

Computer vision has vast potential for Nigeria’s public safety needs. Nigerian startups could develop mobile-friendly AI algorithms that can be integrated with neighbourhood surveillance cameras or even personal smartphones. These algorithms could:

• Recognize suspicious activities and automatically notify local authorities or neighbourhood watch groups.
• Identify people in distress in crowded areas or even detect unusual movements in high-risk zones, without compromising individual privacy.

For instance, a simple camera setup on a frequently traveled street corner could use computer vision to detect gatherings that may escalate into violence, loitering at odd hours, or abandoned objects that pose a threat. By focusing on mobile-friendly solutions, startups can enable widespread adoption even in communities with limited resources.

Emergency Response Enhancements through Mobile Networks

When emergencies occur, a coordinated response can mean the difference between life and death. Startups can build AI-powered emergency response systems that integrate with local mobile networks to quickly relay distress calls and locations directly to responders or community safety volunteers.

Such a system could even allow citizens to report incidents via SMS, WhatsApp, or a mobile app, providing real-time information for responders while leveraging GPS data to pinpoint exact locations. For instance, if a person witnesses a crime in progress, they could instantly send an alert to their local community watch or even nearby law enforcement agents. By optimizing response times and directing responders more accurately, startups can help prevent further escalation of crimes.

Blockchain for Transparent Data Management and Secure Reporting

Blockchain has a valuable role to play in securing crime reports and protecting citizen data. Startups can use blockchain to create tamper-proof records of incidents reported by citizens, guaranteeing that sensitive information isn’t altered or lost. This creates a transparent, trusted communication channel for citizens and law enforcement, which is essential in areas where trust in institutions may be low.

Blockchain-enabled applications can also keep track of evidence and legal documentation associated with crime cases, protecting information integrity. Citizens would feel safer reporting incidents, knowing their identities and information are secure, and law enforcement officers could rely on accurate records for case follow-up.

Community Safety Tools for Better Collaboration

In Nigeria, there’s a strong culture of community, where neighbors look out for one another. Startups can capitalize on this by creating community-focused safety tools that help neighborhoods organize their own safety measures and communicate effectively with local authorities. Mobile-based solutions can empower communities to keep each other informed about local incidents, lost items, and even neighborhood meetings to discuss security matters.

For example, a startup could build a community alert system that allows individuals to report incidents to a local group, which can then verify the report before escalating it to law enforcement if necessary. This would create a layer of community-driven vigilance and reduce the burden on police to monitor every area.

Efficient Reporting Tools for Law Enforcement

Nigerian police officers often face an overwhelming workload, compounded by the need to fill out lengthy paperwork for each reported crime. Startups could introduce simple mobile-based applications that streamline this process, allowing officers to log incidents more efficiently and spend more time patrolling or responding to calls. By optimizing the reporting process, startups can help the police manage their workload and ensure faster, more effective response to incidents.

A mobile app, for instance, could guide officers through report filing using an intuitive interface, storing each report on a secure, centralized blockchain ledger accessible to authorized personnel only. This would allow officers to record incident details on the spot, decreasing administrative delays and enhancing the accuracy of reporting.

Nigerian tech entrepreneurs are urged to join efforts to improve public safety, creating solutions that address the country’s security challenges. Startups can play a vital role in building safer communities, but government support is essential—through funding, regulatory flexibility, and collaboration with law enforcement. Public-private partnerships in safety tech show a commitment to protecting citizens. Together, with the power of AI, blockchain, and mobile technology, startups and the government can build a safer Nigeria for all.

Article by: Mana Lamja