In a country plagued by insecurity, Nigerians are taking matters into their own hands by embracing technology to protect themselves and their properties. The demand for Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras and smart security systems has surged, as citizens seek to fill the gaps left by the country's struggling security agencies.

According to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, between May 2023 and April 2024, over 600,000 deaths were recorded in Nigeria due to insecurity. The country also ranked 7th on the Global Terrorism Index in 2024, with the police force being ranked as the 4th worst performing in the world in 2023. It's no wonder that Nigerians are turning to technology to ensure their safety.

Statista predicts that by 2029, 8.8 million Nigerian households will be equipped with smart security systems, reaching a penetration of 17.5% from 15.5% in 2025. This growth is driven by the increasing adoption of surveillance products such as security cameras, motion sensors, and programmable and remote control door locks.

For many Nigerians, CCTV cameras have become a necessary tool for monitoring their homes and properties. Iyanu Adewole, who lives in Kwara State, refers to her CCTV system as a "third eye," saying it helps her see what she normally can't. Her basic camera setup, installed in 2019 after a burglary, has helped her solve one theft case.

Others, like Esther Salami, who lives in Ogun State, believe that CCTV cameras are a necessity, even if they don't necessarily make them feel safer. Salami received her solar-powered CCTV camera as a gift and says it's useful for double-checking things.

The demand for CCTV cameras has led to a growth in business for sellers like Adekunle Oluwatosin Fatunde, owner of Ibadan-based Comotech Digital Forensics Company Ltd. According to Fatunde, people tend to buy CCTV cameras after an incident, and the financial costs notwithstanding, the demand has spiked. Installation costs typically range from ₦180,000 to ₦300,000 ($112.5-$187.5), but some Nigerians are willing to spend more, like Mike, who spent over ₦2,500,000 ($1,562.5) to install CCTV cameras in his Ogun state duplex.

However, not everyone can afford a full installation package. Fatunde says customers who can't afford it often scale down on their purchase, opting for fewer cameras, no remote viewing, or a "pay small-small" plan. Some Nigerians even opt for solar CCTV systems, which have limitations indoors.

While CCTV cameras are primarily used for security, some Nigerians are using them for other purposes. Adewole, for example, installed a camera to monitor guests in the other unit of her duplex. Tolu, based in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, says owning a CCTV has increased her sense of safety, allowing her to confidently receive guests and send her domestic staff home to run errands for her while she supervises them remotely.

Despite the benefits of CCTV cameras, there are challenges to implementing them. Tolu and Mike both agree that poor internet connection is one of the biggest problems they face. There's also the question of whether to disclose their use of CCTV surveillance to guests or domestic staff.

Ultimately, Nigerians are taking matters into their own hands by embracing technology to address the country's insecurity challenges. As Fatunde opines, Nigerians are only taking a more proactive approach to their security. If Statista's projections hold true, by 2029, millions more will join these Nigerians in proactively surveilling their homes for an increased sense of security and control over what takes place in their private spaces.