The Federal Government is stepping up efforts to tackle insecurity and improve the safety of Nigerians, particularly those living outside the country who wish to return home, Defence Minister Christopher Musa has said.
Musa made this known while engaging with Nigerians based in Angola during the Nigerian delegation’s visit to Luanda for the African Union summit.
The meeting gave members of the diaspora an opportunity to present their concerns to senior government officials, who also responded to some of the issues raised.
Vice President Kashim Shettima led Nigeria’s delegation to the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.
Other officials at the engagement included Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa and Nigeria’s Acting Chargé d’Affaires in Angola, Ambassador Maxy Ogbede.
Musa thanked the Nigerian community for its continued cooperation with the country’s diplomatic mission in Angola.
He said the administration of President Bola Tinubu was determined to deal with security threats and create conditions that would give Nigerians greater confidence in travelling to and within the country.
According to him, the government is increasing the number of personnel available to the military while also improving the ability of the armed forces and other security organisations to respond to threats.
The minister attributed part of Nigeria’s security difficulties to instability in the Sahel, explaining that insecurity in neighbouring regions could spill over into the country.
He said authorities were therefore strengthening surveillance and other measures along the nation’s borders to prevent such threats from entering Nigeria.
Musa also disclosed that government agencies were relying increasingly on dependable information and data to shape security policies and national development programmes.
He maintained that the government would continue working towards restoring stability and creating a more secure environment for Nigerians.
Tunji-Ojo told the gathering that the government had also improved systems for managing citizens’ identities and safeguarding personal information.
He said cooperation between relevant government agencies had been strengthened, resulting in better coordination and improved outcomes.
Dabiri-Erewa assured Nigerians in Angola that NiDCOM remained available to attend to their needs and concerns.
She added that the commission would continue working to connect Nigerians abroad with opportunities to contribute to the growth and development of their home country.
