Nigerians Abroad Can Expect Safer Home Visits, Says Defence Minister Musa

General Christopher Musa (Rtd), Nigeria's Minister of Defence, has given his word to Nigerians living abroad that the federal administration is working tirelessly to bolster national security. This effort aims to ensure a more secure nation, thereby making it easier and safer for them to return for visits.

This assurance, as conveyed in a statement by Leah Katung-Babatunde, the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, was delivered during an interactive session. The session involved Nigerian citizens based in Angola and took place in Luanda, Angola, alongside the 21st Extraordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of State and Government. Vice-President Kashim Shettima headed the Nigerian delegation at the AU Summit, acting on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This significant gathering allowed government officials to directly engage with and address the concerns raised by the diaspora community.

Other prominent figures in attendance at the meeting included Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior; Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM); and Ambassador Maxy Ogbede, who serves as the Acting Chargé d’Affaires for the Nigerian Mission in Angola.

General Musa commended the Nigerian community in Angola for fostering a positive relationship with the diplomatic mission. He then underscored President Tinubu’s resolute dedication to eliminating security threats across the country. The Minister pointed out current initiatives aimed at increasing the personnel and enhancing the operational effectiveness of both the Armed Forces of Nigeria and allied security organizations.

General Musa declared, “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 confirmed that "comprehensive border management measures are actively being implemented to curb these incursions.”

The Minister of Defence further reiterated the administration's commitment to continuously incorporate dependable data into both national security strategies and developmental blueprints. He emphasized that the drive to re-establish enduring peace and stability is progressing as planned.

During his address, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, drew attention to the government's recent implementation of improved data protection and identity management systems. He added that stronger collaboration among various agencies is already showing tangible positive outcomes.

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, NiDCOM's Chairman/CEO, reaffirmed the commission's core objective, assuring Nigerians that the agency is always available to assist with their well-being and to foster opportunities that contribute to the nation's collective prosperity.