The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening security across Nigeria, with the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, assuring Nigerians in the diaspora that the government is taking measures to make the country safer.
Musa gave the assurance during an interaction with members of the Nigerian community in Angola, held on the sidelines of the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Luanda, Angola.
The interaction provided an opportunity for Nigerian officials attending the AU meeting to listen to concerns raised by members of the Nigerian community and respond to issues affecting them.
The Nigerian delegation to the AU Summit was led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, while other senior officials present at the meeting included the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and the Acting Chargé d’Affaires of the Nigerian Mission in Angola, Ambassador Maxy Ogbede.
Musa expressed appreciation to Nigerians living in Angola for maintaining a harmonious relationship with the Nigerian diplomatic mission and stressed that President Bola Tinubu remains committed to neutralising security threats across the country.
The Defence Minister said the government was working to increase both the numerical strength and operational capacity of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies as part of efforts to improve national security.
He explained that different sectors were receiving targeted interventions aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security framework and improving the country’s ability to respond to emerging threats.
Musa also identified regional instability in the Sahel as one of the factors contributing to Nigeria’s security challenges, noting that instability in neighbouring countries can spill across national borders.
According to him, the government is responding by implementing comprehensive border management measures designed to prevent such security threats from entering the country.
The minister further reaffirmed the government’s plan to make greater use of reliable data in developing national security strategies and broader development plans.
He said efforts to restore lasting peace and stability remained on course, while the administration continued to strengthen cooperation among the various agencies responsible for protecting the country.
Also speaking at the engagement, Tunji-Ojo highlighted improvements in Nigeria’s data protection and identity management systems, saying stronger collaboration among government agencies was already producing measurable results.
On behalf of Nigerians in the diaspora, Abike Dabiri-Erewa reiterated the commitment of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission to supporting citizens abroad, while encouraging opportunities that can contribute to Nigeria’s national development.
The Federal Government’s renewed security assurances come as Nigeria continues to confront threats including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and cross-border criminal activities.
Musa’s engagement with Nigerians in Angola therefore provided an opportunity for the government to reassure citizens living outside the country that efforts are being sustained to improve security and create conditions that will allow Nigerians in the diaspora to visit and return home with greater confidence.