By DECAN
The Federal Government is strengthening border security to contain threats from instability in the Sahel and ensure a safer Nigeria, Defence Minister Christopher Musa has said.
Musa gave the assurance during an interactive engagement with Nigerians in Angola on the sidelines of the 21st Extraordinary Session of the African Union Assembly in Luanda.
This is contained in a statement by the Special Assistant to the Minister on Media, Mrs Leah Katung-Babatunde, on Sunday in Abuja.
He said instability in the Sahel remained a major factor contributing to Nigeria’s security challenges, with its effects increasingly spilling across national borders.
The minister said the government was implementing comprehensive border-management measures to curb cross-border incursions and strengthen the country’s security architecture.
“Every sector is receiving targeted interventions to enhance our national security framework,” Musa said.
He said the Federal Government was also strengthening the numerical strength and operational capabilities of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
According to him, the measures are aimed at neutralising security threats, restoring lasting peace and creating a safer environment for Nigerians, including those living abroad.
Musa also reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to integrating reliable data into national security strategies and development planning.
He appreciated the Nigerian community in Angola for maintaining a harmonious relationship with the Nigerian diplomatic mission.
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said the government had strengthened data protection and identity-management systems to support national security.
Tunji-Ojo said enhanced inter-agency collaboration was yielding measurable results in addressing security and identity-management challenges.
The Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, assured Nigerians abroad of the commission’s continued support for their welfare and interests.
She also encouraged Nigerians in the diaspora to remain actively engaged in initiatives that promote national development and mutual prosperity.
The Nigerian delegation to the AU session was led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu.
Also present were Nigeria’s Acting Chargé d’Affaires in Angola, Amb. Maxy Ogbede, and other members of the delegation.
