Abstract

The study Designing Data-Driven Policy Intelligence Frameworks for Enhancing National Security Coordination in Nigeria, aims to design a robust data-driven policy intelligence framework to enhance the efficiency, responsiveness, and coordination of Nigeria’s national security institutions. It examines existing security structures, identifies gaps in intelligence gathering and data utilization, evaluates the impact of technologies like big data and AI, and develops a context-specific, integrated framework to support evidence-based, real-time decision-making across agencies. Nigeria’s national security environment is increasingly complex, characterized by insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, communal conflicts in the North-Central region, and rising cybercrime. Despite significant investments in security infrastructure, intelligence failures persist due to fragmented data systems, weak inter-agency coordination, and limited technological integration into policy processes. This study examines the design and application of a Data-Driven Policy Intelligence Framework (DPIF) to enhance national security coordination. Using a quantitative, model-driven approach, primary data were collected via structured questionnaires administered to 120 security personnel, policymakers, and administrators. Respondents were predominantly male (65%), with substantial experience: 50% had 5–10 years and 33% over 10 years of service. Descriptive statistics indicated that participants rated data integration (M=4.12), inter-agency collaboration (M=3.95), and technology adoption (M=4.25) as key drivers of security efficiency (M=4.30). Analysis using ANOVA and multiple regression revealed that all variables significantly impact national security coordination, with data integration showing the strongest predictive power. The regression model explained 68% of the variance in coordination effectiveness (R²=0.68). The findings highlight the limitations of Nigeria’s current reactive, silo-based security architecture, where independent operations and limited information sharing result in delays, duplication, and inefficient resource use. The proposed DPIF integrates a Central Data Repository, Real-Time Analytics Engine, Inter-Agency Communication Platform, Policy Intelligence Dashboard, and Feedback and Evaluation Unit to promote seamless data integration, enhance situational awareness, and support evidence-based policymaking. Anchored in Systems Theory and the Intelligence Cycle, the framework emphasizes institutional interdependence and structured intelligence processes. The study concludes that adopting a data-driven policy intelligence approach is critical for improving coordination, recommending investments in digital infrastructure, capacity building, centralized intelligence mechanisms, and data governance frameworks. Implementing the DPIF will enable Nigeria to transition from reactive security management to a proactive, intelligence-led system capable of effectively addressing contemporary security challenges.