Tinubu Prioritising Security for Democratic Stability — Defence Minister
*ABUJA* — The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd.), says the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is placing national security at the core of efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty, protect democratic institutions, and drive national development.
Musa stated this on Thursday in Abuja while declaring open the 2nd Policy Colloquium organised by the Ministry of Defence in collaboration with Saban Media Services.
The event, themed “Strengthening the Sovereign Frontiers: Strategic Defence Architecture, Emerging Technologies and Democratic Integrity in Nigeria” brought together defence strategists, policymakers, technologists, civil society groups, and security stakeholders.
According to the minister, Nigeria’s current security realities demand renewed strategic thinking and institutional adaptation.
“This strategic direction recognizes that a secure and stable Nigeria is essential to the protection of our sovereignty, the preservation of our democratic institutions, and the advancement of national development,” Musa said.
He noted that threats to the country now cut across land, maritime, air, and cyber domains, requiring a more integrated and forward-looking defence posture.
“The theme of this year’s colloquium is particularly relevant to the security realities confronting our nation. It speaks to the need for a defence and security posture that remains responsive to changing threats, harnesses technological advancement and reinforces the institutions that underpin our national security and democratic order,” he added.
*Call for investment in technology and defence industry*
Musa identified emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, surveillance, reconnaissance, and cyber capabilities as decisive factors in modern warfare.
He said Nigeria must invest deliberately in these areas and strengthen its defence industrial base to maintain operational advantage.
“Our defence architecture must remain agile and forward-looking, with the capacity to anticipate threats, respond decisively and protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity and vital national interests,” the minister said.
He urged participants to ensure their deliberations produced practical recommendations that can be translated into policy and action.
*Non-partisan platform for solutions*
The Special Adviser to the Minister on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde, said the colloquium was designed as a rigorous, non-partisan platform to bridge ideas between the military, academia, civil society, and the private sector.
“We are not assembled here today merely to catalogue challenges, but to forge actionable pathways, inform public policy and construct a practical blueprint for national resilience,” she said.
She called on stakeholders to approach discussions with candour and a commitment to national interest.
The two-day colloquium is expected to produce a policy brief with recommendations on defence modernisation, technology adoption, intelligence coordination, and joint operations among security agencies.
Comments
This post currently has no comments.