The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, has assured Nigerians living abroad that the Federal Government is intensifying efforts to strengthen national security and create a safer environment for citizens returning home.
Musa gave the assurance while interacting with members of the Nigerian community in Angola during the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Luanda.
This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Assistant on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Nigerian delegation to the AU Summit, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, also used the interaction to hear concerns from Nigerians in Angola and provide immediate responses from government representatives.
The meeting was attended by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; the Chairman/CEO 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 commended the Nigerian community in Angola for maintaining a cordial relationship with the country’s diplomatic mission.
He also reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to tackling security threats across the country, stressing that the government was taking deliberate steps to improve the capacity of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
According to him, the Federal Government is strengthening the numerical strength and operational capabilities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and partner security agencies to address emerging security challenges.
“Every sector is receiving targeted interventions to enhance our national security framework,” he said.
Musa attributed some of the country’s security challenges to instability in the Sahel region, which he said had implications for Nigeria’s borders.
“Some of our ongoing challenges stem from regional instability in the Sahel, which trickles across our borders.
“However, comprehensive border management measures are actively being implemented to curb these incursions,” he said.
The Defence Minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to incorporating reliable data into national security strategies and development planning.
He assured Nigerians that efforts to restore lasting peace and stability across the country remained ongoing.
Speaking at the meeting, Tunji-Ojo highlighted measures introduced by the government to strengthen data protection and identity management.
He said improved collaboration among government agencies was already producing measurable results in addressing security and identity-related challenges.
