By Bavoriat Clara
The Honourable Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening border security, improving veterans’ welfare, and reviewing key defence policy frameworks to enhance Nigeria’s national security architecture.
The Minister gave the assurance while receiving members of the Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC) during a courtesy visit on Monday at the Ministry of Defence headquarters, Ship House, Abuja.
Speaking during the meeting, Musa noted that Nigeria’s security environment remains dynamic and complex, stressing the need for continuous review and upgrading of existing policies, including the National Defence Policy (2017) and its Implementation Guidelines (2019). He said policy documents must evolve in response to emerging threats and changing 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.
The Minister added that the Ministry would liaise with relevant authorities, including the Permanent Secretary and strategic partners, to initiate structured engagements aimed at reviewing critical defence policies and related documents.
Musa described border security as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s national security strategy, emphasising the importance of strengthening surveillance and control mechanisms to effectively 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 stated, noting that improved border control would help curb transnational crimes and insecurity.
The Minister also stressed the need to prioritise the welfare of military veterans, saying those who have served the nation deserve adequate post-service support, including healthcare and welfare benefits.
He assured stakeholders that the Ministry is reviewing frameworks to strengthen veterans’ welfare systems and adopt best practices that will ensure dignity and improved living standards for retired personnel.
Earlier, the President of AANDEC, Ndidi Patrick Agholor (Rtd), commended the Minister for the warm reception and expressed the association’s readiness to collaborate with the Ministry in implementing the National Defence Policy. He said AANDEC possesses the professional expertise to support the Ministry through research, advisory services and strategic engagements.
Agholor also appealed for the Ministry’s support to enhance the association’s operational capacity, including assistance with mobility, office equipment, conference facilities, the forthcoming National Security Summit, and the development of its permanent facility.
He reaffirmed AANDEC’s commitment to partnering with the Ministry to advance national security objectives through stronger institutional collaboration.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Richard Pheelangwa, and directors of the Ministry were present at the meeting.
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