Otega Fadiniyi - 'Asset Protection & Loss Prevention'

AN: Close monitoring is often misread as micromanaging. What are your thoughts on this statement?

 

OF: Close monitoring is a supportive approach that fosters a sense of accountability or responsibility in various tasks, whether it's a job, driving, selling a product, or achieving a deliverable. It ensures compliance and enhances communication, which aids in decision-making and early risk identification - all while maintaining operational integrity.

In contrast, micromanagement is a controlling style that can undermine those being managed. 

While close monitoring is essential for security, asset protection, and loss prevention, it should not feel oppressive. The key difference lies in intent and execution – as effective monitoring promotes accountability and efficiency without undermining autonomy.

So yes – both are misread but in the long run, close monitoring wins and is not micromanaging because when done correctly, close monitoring creates a positive environment focused on risk management rather than mere control. The focus should be on risk management rather than control for control’s sake. 

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AN: Security awareness can often be seen as a tick-box exercise. How important is it for staff to absorb and adapt learning?

 

OF: Security awareness should be beyond “compliance checklists” or “routine training”.  it must be practical, engaging, and capable of fostering behavioral change. 

People or Employees should be encouraged to think critically about potential risks by considering scenarios such as the five best and five worst possible internal threats or external breaches, alongside the ten most effective strategies to mitigate these risks.

In today's environments, employees must internalize security principles and apply them. A workforce that integrates learning into their daily operations plays a vital role in reducing risks, preventing losses, and enhancing overall resilience. Organizations should prioritize real-world scenarios, interactive training sessions, and reinforcement strategies to ensure the training has a lasting impact. I am a firm believer of drills – no matter how boring or vague they may seem, it helps with the handling od situations when the time arises.

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 AN: Journey management in the current Nigerian environment is a concern for many security professionals. Are there any suggestions you would recommend?

 

OF: Looking at the recent security landscape in Nigeria, proactive journey management is non-negotiable, and adopting a layered security approach ensures safer travel with the country’s motion space (sea, air, and land). 
Usually, my JMPs are graded into High Value & Common Principal Assets (both Human and Cargo) as per the nature of the operations and activities I oversee which fall under Sea, Air, and Land Operations.

 

So, my recommendations are:-    

 

• Pre-Trip Planning: Conduct thorough risk assessments, including route security and safety assessment, alternative paths,  and emergency response plans

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• Real-Time Monitoring: GPS tracking (for all assets – Human or Cargo), real-time communication, checkpoints (incident,    significant incident reports), and incident reporting tools. 

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• Escort & Security Liaison: In high-risk areas, security escorts and/or local intelligence support can enhance safety.

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• Discreet Travel: Avoid predictable patterns, unnecessary branding, and publicizing travel details.

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• Emergency Preparedness: Ensure travellers have emergency contacts, safe havens, and response protocols in case of incidents.

 

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AN: Agora Nexus is aware you are a keen promoter of collaboration. Why is this so important?

 

OF: As the saying goes, “NO MAN IS AN ISLAND” so I am big on collaboration in security as this is not just beneficial—it’s a necessity. 

No single professional, security team, or organization has all the intelligence, resources, or reach to handle evolving threats alone.  A strong network of information sharing, joint risk assessments, discussions, chit-chats, and open conversations amongst professionals and rookies (and collective response strategies) enhances proactive threat mitigation or Security Operations in general.

Through collaboration, security professionals can share real-time intelligence to prevent incidents, pool resources for better security coverage, standardize best practices for crisis response, and strengthen collaboration or public-private partnerships to reinforce security efforts and continuously improve ourselves.

So with a trusted network like this (Agora Nexus) , we create stronger, more resilient security frameworks that benefit businesses, employees, and the broader community.

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