FG to Tighten Border Surveillance, Review Defence Policy
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening border surveillance and reviewing key defence policy frameworks as part of efforts to enhance Nigeria’s national security architecture.
The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), made this known on Monday while receiving members of the Alumni Association of the National Defence College at the Ministry’s headquarters in Ship House, Abuja.
A statement signed by Enderline Chukwu, Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations, for the Director of Information and Public Relations noted that he Nigeria’s security environment remains dynamic and complex, requiring continuous review and upgrading of existing policies, including the National Defence Policy (2017) and its Implementation Guidelines (2019).
According to the minister, defence policy documents must evolve in response to emerging threats and shifting global realities.
“Life is dynamic and our security challenges are fluid. It is important that our Armed Forces and institutional frameworks adapt accordingly,” he said.
Musa disclosed that the Ministry would liaise with relevant authorities, including the Permanent Secretary and strategic partners, to initiate structured engagements aimed at reviewing critical defence documents and other related frameworks.
Read Also:
He identified border security as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s national security strategy, stressing the need to strengthen surveillance and control mechanisms to monitor movements across the country’s borders.
“It is important that we know who is coming in, who is going out, and what is coming into our country,” he said, adding that improved border control would help curb transnational crimes and other security threats.
The minister also emphasised the need to prioritise the welfare of military veterans, noting that retired personnel deserve adequate post-service support, including improved healthcare and welfare benefits. He assured stakeholders that the Ministry is reviewing existing frameworks to strengthen veterans’ welfare systems in line with global best practices.
Earlier, the President of the Alumni Association of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral Ndidi Patrick Agholor (retd.), expressed appreciation to the minister for the engagement and pledged the association’s support in strengthening Nigeria’s defence architecture through research, advisory services and strategic collaboration.
He appealed for the Ministry’s support in enhancing the association’s operational capacity, including assistance with logistics and the organisation of its forthcoming National Security Summit.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Richard Pheelangwa, and directors were also present at the meeting.
The statement was signed by Enderline Chukwu, Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations, for the Director of Information and Public Relations
