Defence Minister Musa Reassures Diaspora on Enhanced National Security

General Christopher Musa, Nigeria's Minister of Defence, recently gave assurances to Nigerians living abroad, stating that the Federal Government is actively reinforcing national security measures. His aim is to ensure a more secure nation and smoother visits for citizens returning home. These remarks were made public in a statement released on Sunday by his Special Assistant on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde.

Minister Musa conveyed this message during a dialogue with the Nigerian community in Angola, coinciding with the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union held in Luanda. Vice President Kashim Shettima spearheaded the Nigerian delegation to the AU Summit. The interactive session provided an avenue for government officials to engage directly with the diaspora community, address their concerns, and offer prompt responses.

Key government figures also in attendance included Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior; Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM); and Ambassador Maxy Ogbede, the Acting Chargé d’Affaires of the Nigerian Mission in Angola.

General Musa conveyed his gratitude to the Nigerian residents in Angola for fostering a cooperative relationship with the diplomatic mission. He underscored President Bola Tinubu’s steadfast resolve to eliminate security challenges across the country. The Minister further detailed current initiatives aimed at enhancing both the personnel count and operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and collaborating security outfits.

He stated, “Every sector is receiving targeted interventions to enhance our national security framework.” He acknowledged that, “Some of our ongoing challenges stem from regional instability in the Sahel, which trickles across our borders.” Nevertheless, he assured that, “comprehensive border management measures are actively being implemented to curb these incursions.” The Minister reiterated the government's commitment to continuously incorporate dependable data into national security strategies and development blueprints, affirming that the pursuit of enduring peace and stability is well underway.

Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Interior Minister, spoke about the government's recent improvements in data protection and identity management frameworks. He observed that strengthened cooperation among various agencies was producing noticeable positive outcomes. Echoing NiDCOM's core mandate, Abike Dabiri-Erewa guaranteed citizens that the commission is always accessible to assist with their welfare and foster opportunities that contribute to shared national prosperity.