By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has assured Nigerians living abroad that the Federal Government is intensifying efforts to strengthen security across the country and create a safe environment for citizens visiting or returning home.
Musa gave the assurance during an interactive session with members of the Nigerian community in Angola on the sidelines of the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) in Luanda.
The Nigerian delegation to the summit was led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The engagement provided an opportunity for government officials to receive firsthand feedback from Nigerians in the diaspora and address issues affecting them. Also in attendance were the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa; and the Acting Chargé d’Affaires of the Nigerian Mission in Angola, Ambassador Maxy Ogbede.
Addressing the gathering, the Defence Minister commended the Nigerian community in Angola for maintaining cordial relations with the country’s diplomatic mission and reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to tackling security challenges nationwide.
According to him, the administration is implementing measures to enhance the strength and operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies as part of efforts to improve national security.
“Every sector is receiving targeted interventions to enhance our national security framework,” Musa said.
He noted that some of Nigeria’s security challenges are linked to instability in the Sahel region, which continues to have spillover effects across national 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 stated.
The minister further assured Nigerians abroad that the government remains committed to integrating credible data into security planning and national development strategies, adding that efforts to restore lasting peace and stability across the country are yielding positive results.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, highlighted recent improvements in identity management and data protection systems, noting that stronger collaboration among government agencies is enhancing service delivery and national security outcomes.
Also speaking, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora, assuring them of continued support and engagement.
She said the commission would continue to serve as a bridge between Nigerians abroad and the government, while promoting initiatives that contribute to national development and shared prosperity.
The interactive session formed part of broader efforts by the Federal Government to deepen engagement with Nigerians living abroad and encourage their participation in the country’s development agenda.
