Nigeria’s security landscape is fraught with challenges. The nation faces widespread instability from the surge in criminality to the complex entanglement of state and non-state actors. Islamist insurgencies, counter-insurgency operations, cult violence, separatist movements, and the persistent farmer-herder clashes further aggravate the situation. In 2023 alone, 75% of violent fatalities occurred in northern Nigeria, with election-related violence compounding the volatility.
Criminality in the form of banditry and kidnappings has become rampant while human trafficking networks continue to thrive. Nigeria remains a critical node in the global trafficking chain, functioning as a source, transit, and destination country for forced labour and sex trafficking. In 2022, Nigeria led the list of countries of origin for human trafficking victims in the European Union (EU), highlighting the severity of the crisis.
Amid these overwhelming challenges, individuals like Victoria Ekhomu are making significant strides in reshaping Nigeria’s security landscape. Born in Igueben, Edo State, Ekhomu’s journey began with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Lagos in 1979. Her academic pursuits took her to the University of Pittsburgh, where she earned a Master’s in Public Administration in 1986, followed by the Advanced Management Program at Lagos Business School in 2001.
Victoria Ekhomu uses Transworld Security to pioneer change in West Africa
Ekhomu’s career in security began with the co-founding of Transworld Consultants Inc. alongside her late husband, Ona Ekhomu. As Managing Director and CEO, she spearheaded the company’s transformation into a leading provider of asset protection services across West Africa. Under her leadership, Transworld expanded its offerings to include security guard services, training, and education while pioneering women’s involvement in security—a historically male-dominated field. As the first female Chapter Chairman of the Association for Security and Intelligence Specialists (ASIS) in Nigeria, she marked a significant milestone for gender equality in the sector.
Founded in 1980 by her late husband, Transworld Security has since evolved into one of West Africa’s premier asset protection firms. The company’s mission is clear: to leverage advanced technology and deep security expertise to safeguard clients against an increasingly complex threat environment. Transworld’s operational philosophy revolves around identifying potential risks, anticipating vulnerabilities, and protecting critical assets, a blueprint for security management that has redefined industry standards in the region.
Over the years, Transworld has diversified its portfolio, extending beyond consulting to offer comprehensive services such as security certification, guard services, and training programs. The firm was instrumental in introducing ASIS Certification to West Africa.
Victoria Ekhomu’s legacy and impact on the African security climes
In addition to her contributions at Transworld, Ekhomu has held several key leadership roles within ASIS International, including Assistant Regional Vice President and Regional Vice President, becoming a trailblazer in a sector still grappling with gender imbalance. Her late husband’s legacy profoundly influenced her drive to lead in the security sector. Thus, she is determined to continue his legacy.
Her contributions have earned her multiple awards, including the ASIS Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2023 Bill Zalud Memorial Award for Professional Excellence, and the Women in Security Global Community Karen Marquez Honors Award.
As President of the Association of Industrial Security and Safety Operators of Nigeria (AISSON), Victoria Ekhomu has championed the welfare and safety of Nigerian citizens, consistently advocating for accountability and collaboration across both private and public security sectors. Through her leadership, Transworld remains a beacon of security excellence in West Africa, fostering safer environments for businesses, individuals, and communities.
Ekhomu’s expertise extends across various domains, from risk, threat, and vulnerability assessments to deploying security systems such as CCTV, anti-terrorist equipment, and comprehensive security training programs. She is also a board-certified Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) with advanced management credentials.
In the wake of the September 11 attacks, Ekhomu organized a landmark conference in Lagos to address the twin issues of terrorism and corruption, underscoring her commitment to not just national but global security challenges. Her enduring contributions to capacity building through education and training have empowered a new generation of security professionals ready to tackle the increasingly complex threats faced by Nigeria and the wider region.
With a career marked by innovation, leadership, and an unwavering dedication to public safety, Victoria Ekhomu is a pivotal figure in the evolution of Nigerian security. Her contributions continue to inspire, offering a blueprint for security excellence in West Africa and beyond.
