The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, has assured Nigerians living abroad that the Federal Government is intensifying efforts to strengthen national security and create a safer environment for citizens returning home.
Musa gave the assurance during an interactive engagement 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.
According to a statement by the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde, the engagement provided an opportunity for government officials to hear directly from Nigerians in Angola and respond to their concerns.
Also present were the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa; and Acting Chargé d’Affaires of the Nigerian Mission in Angola, Ambassador Maxy Ogbede.
Government strengthening security architecture
Musa commended the Nigerian community in Angola for maintaining a cordial relationship with the country’s diplomatic mission, while reaffirming the Tinubu administration’s commitment to tackling security threats across the country.
He said the government was working to increase the strength and operational capacity of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies.
“Every sector is receiving targeted interventions to enhance our national security framework. 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,” Musa said.
The minister also said the government was integrating reliable data into national security planning and broader development strategies as part of efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability.
Interior Ministry highlights identity management
Speaking at the engagement, Tunji-Ojo highlighted improvements in the country’s data protection and identity management systems.
He said stronger collaboration among government agencies was producing measurable results in efforts to improve national security and public administration.
Meanwhile, Dabiri-Erewa assured Nigerians in Angola that NiDCOM would continue to support the welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora and facilitate opportunities that could contribute to national development.
She reiterated the commission’s commitment to maintaining an open channel of communication with Nigerians abroad and promoting their contributions to Nigeria’s economic and social development.
