Nigeria's Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has called for a comprehensive and partnership-based approach to tackle the country's evolving security challenges and those of the wider Sahel region. Speaking at a high-level discussion organised by the Ministry of Defence on the margins of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81) High-Level Week in New York, Musa emphasised that Nigeria's security challenges had national, regional, and global implications. The event brought together diplomats, security practitioners, and representatives of the United Nations, African Union, and Economic Community of West African States.
Musa highlighted that Nigeria's recognition of its inability to address these challenges alone was not a statement of dependence, but an acknowledgement of the multidimensional character of modern security threats and the importance of collective action. He stressed that sustainable security required resilient communities, effective institutions, inclusive development, and good governance. The minister outlined measures being implemented under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration, including the recruitment of 22,000 personnel into the Armed Forces and the expansion and reorganisation of the Nigerian Army's divisional structure.
The Nigerian government has also approved a unified intelligence and reconnaissance programme aimed at eliminating operational silos, improving situational awareness, and strengthening interoperability among Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. Additionally, efforts are being made to strengthen domestic defence production through support for the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, with the aim of improving self-reliance and reducing dependence on external sources. Musa also noted the integration of advanced technology into security operations, including surveillance and detection capabilities, alongside the development of a comprehensive national criminal database.
The panel discussion, moderated by Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, former Chief of Staff to the President and Minister of External Affairs, recalled Nigeria's concentric-circles foreign policy and stressed the need for Africa to position itself as an active contributor to global frameworks, particularly in the area of Artificial Intelligence. Major General Adeyinka T. Famadewa, Special Adviser on Homeland Security, advocated intelligence fusion, integrated response capabilities, and systems that would protect citizen reporting.
Major General A.K. Ibrahim, former Force Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force, called for community-based border solutions, implementation of the Office of the National Security Adviser's Border Management Strategy, and revitalisation of the Multinational Joint Task Force. He also emphasised the need for stronger efforts to disrupt terrorist taxation and financial networks. Musa reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to tackling terrorism and banditry and commended defence cooperation with international partners, including the United States.
The minister highlighted government efforts to improve legal frameworks, protect vulnerable health workers in high-risk areas, and create a stable business environment capable of attracting investment. He stressed that the objective should be to identify concrete areas of cooperation, clear responsibilities, and practical next steps. The Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Bosede Olaniyi, welcomed participants and called for robust engagement capable of producing meaningful results for national development.
The high-level discussion aimed to address Nigeria's multidimensional security challenges and explore ways to strengthen regional ownership and cooperation. Key stakeholders, including diplomats and security practitioners, participated in the event to discuss the country's security landscape and potential solutions. The Nigerian government's efforts to tackle insecurity have received support from international partners, including the European Union.
Key points
- Nigeria's Defence Minister calls for a whole-of-society approach to tackle evolving security challenges
- The government has implemented measures to strengthen domestic defence production and improve security operations
- Nigeria seeks global partnerships to address its security challenges and those of the wider Sahel region
