The Federal Government has renewed its commitment to tightening border security, improving veterans’ welfare and updating key defence policy documents to strengthen Nigeria’s national security framework against emerging threats.
The Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, made this known during a meeting with members of the Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC) in Abuja.
In a statement issued by the Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations of the Ministry of Defence, Enderline Chukwu, Musa said the nation’s security landscape was becoming more dynamic and complex, necessitating frequent reassessment of existing defence strategies.
He explained that core policy documents, including the National Defence Policy (2017) and its Implementation Guidelines (2019), require periodic updates to align with changing domestic and global security realities.
“Security challenges evolve constantly, and our defence structures must keep pace to effectively respond to them. Continuous adaptation is essential,” he said.
The minister added that the ministry would work closely with relevant authorities, including the Permanent Secretary and other critical stakeholders, to initiate structured consultations aimed at reviewing key defence policies and operational instruments.
On border management, Musa described effective surveillance and coordination among security agencies as fundamental to safeguarding national security.
He emphasised the importance of deploying stronger monitoring systems and improving inter-agency collaboration to regulate movements across the nation’s frontiers.
“It is vital to track who enters and exits the country, as well as what crosses our borders. Stronger controls will help reduce transnational crimes and other security threats,” he noted.
The minister also stressed the need to prioritise the welfare of military veterans, stating that those who had served the nation deserved sustained care and support after retirement.
He disclosed that the ministry was reassessing existing welfare frameworks to improve healthcare access, benefits and overall support services for retired personnel in line with international standards.
Earlier, the President of AANDEC, retired Rear Adm. Patrick Agholor, praised the minister’s leadership and expressed appreciation for the engagement.
Agholor said the association, made up of senior military officers and strategic experts, was well-positioned to assist the ministry through research, policy advisory services and strategic consultations.
He sought government backing to strengthen the association’s operational capacity, particularly in the areas of logistics, office facilities and preparations for an upcoming National Security Summit.
Agholor reaffirmed AANDEC’s readiness to collaborate with the ministry in promoting strategic reforms and policy initiatives aimed at addressing Nigeria’s evolving security concerns.
The session also had in attendance the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Richard Pheelangwa, alongside other top officials, underscoring the importance attached to the dialogue.