National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has directed a 33-member committee to review Nigeria's 2019 National Security Strategy and develop a new blueprint within four weeks. The new strategy aims to address emerging security threats, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, cyber threats, misinformation, and food insecurity. Ribadu made this announcement during the inauguration of the committee at the Office of the National Security Adviser in Abuja.
The proposed National Security Strategy 2026 will address conventional threats and emerging challenges such as cyber threats, economic instability, and environmental problems. Ribadu noted that significant changes in the domestic, regional, and global security environments since 2019 necessitate a fresh assessment of Nigeria's security priorities. He emphasized that the new strategy must reflect current realities, anticipate future disruptions, and support the country's national objectives under President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.
Ribadu identified human security, economic transformation, and national cohesion as priority areas the new framework must support. He urged the committee to work closely with relevant institutions and strategic stakeholders to produce a comprehensive document containing practical measures that can be implemented across the country. The NSA assured members that the Office of the National Security Adviser would provide the necessary administrative, technical, and logistical support to complete the assignment within the four-week deadline.
The Deputy Chairman of the committee, retired Major-General Evi Onumajuru, noted that the changing nature of security threats requires a comprehensive realignment of Nigeria's national security priorities. He emphasized that conventional threats have become increasingly intertwined with non-kinetic challenges such as cyber vulnerabilities, economic instability, and climate change. Onumajuru stressed that the country requires a coordinated framework that goes beyond reactive measures and provides practical responses to interconnected threats.
The committee, chaired by retired Major-General Sarkin Yaki Bello, comprises representatives of government ministries, the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, law enforcement bodies, civil society organizations, and academia. Institutions represented include the Defence Headquarters, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, National Intelligence Agency, Defence Intelligence Agency, and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The committee will consult with security agencies, government institutions, private sector representatives, traditional rulers, and civil society organizations to ensure that the new strategy addresses a broad range of national security concerns. Onumajuru described the four-week timeline as demanding, saying members must commence work immediately to meet the deadline for submitting the final draft to the NSA.
The new National Security Strategy 2026 is expected to serve as an overarching framework for coordinating national security, strengthening resilience, and promoting sustainable development in Nigeria. The strategy will provide practical measures to address emerging security threats and support the country's national objectives.
Key points
- The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has given a 33-member committee four weeks to review Nigeria's 2019 National Security Strategy and develop a new blueprint.
- The proposed National Security Strategy 2026 aims to address emerging security threats, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, cyber threats, misinformation, and food insecurity.
- The new strategy will provide an overarching framework for coordinating national security, strengthening resilience, and promoting sustainable development in Nigeria.
