By Bavoriat Clara
The President of the Senate, His Excellency Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON, on Monday officially unveiled the National Counter-Terrorism Centre’s (NCTC) Strategic Plan 2025–2030, describing it as a defining moment in Nigeria’s effort to strengthen national security, defeat terrorism, and build a resilient, peaceful nation. The event, held in Abuja, drew top government officials, security agency heads, diplomats, private-sector leaders, and development partners.
Senator Akpabio highlighted that the five-year plan reflects Nigeria’s renewed commitment to modernising its security architecture and safeguarding citizens from evolving threats. He noted that insecurity has disrupted development, discouraged investment, hampered education, weakened agriculture, and diminished hope in many communities.
“The Strategic Plan provides a disciplined framework for transforming institutions, integrating advanced technology, improving intelligence coordination, and fostering stronger collaboration across government and society,” Akpabio said.
He emphasised that legislation alone cannot secure the nation, stressing the need for sustained investments in technology, training, and partnerships. The plan adopts a Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society approach, placing citizens at the centre of national security. Its three main pillars include strengthening national resilience through early-warning and community intelligence, integrating modern technology such as drones and cybersecurity systems, and enhancing regional and international cooperation.
Akpabio also urged private-sector involvement in funding security initiatives, assuring that the National Assembly will ensure accountability and transparency. He called on citizens, traditional rulers, civil society, youth groups, and international allies to unite in safeguarding Nigeria, describing the launch as a national promise that the country will not yield to fear or insecurity.
Representing the African Union Commission, Dr Usman Hussain commended Nigeria for its leadership in counter-terrorism and described the NCTC’s transformation into a regional centre of excellence as timely. He outlined plans for AU technical assessments and high-level engagements to strengthen regional cooperation and capacity-building, while praising Nigeria’s fundraising efforts as critical to sustainable counter-terrorism.
Major General Adamu Laka, National Coordinator of the NCTC, delivering remarks on behalf of the National Security Adviser, noted that terrorism remains a national challenge, with threats emerging in the Northeast, Northwest, and Southeast. He said the Strategic Plan, developed from over two decades of counter-terrorism experience, aligns with the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022 and previous national strategies.
Laka highlighted social drivers of violent extremism, including unemployment and drug abuse, and emphasised the need for capable national institutions alongside international partnerships. He cited initiatives such as the “Seeds of Hope” programme, which supports rehabilitation for victims of terrorism through agricultural livelihoods.
The Strategic Plan aims to strengthen intelligence, operational coordination, legal frameworks, judicial processes, strategic communication, and national resilience, positioning Nigeria as a regional leader in counter-terrorism. Development partners, diplomats, private-sector leaders, and NGOs pledged support for the initiative, describing it as vital to national stability and economic growth.
The event concluded with the formal unveiling of the NCTC Strategic Plan 2025–2030, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Nigeria’s coordinated fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
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