By Odita Sunday
The Federal Government has intensified efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and tighten border management as part of measures to make the country safer for Nigerians in the diaspora returning home, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd) OFR, has said.
Musa gave the assurance during an interactive engagement with members of the Nigerian community in Angola, held on the sidelines of the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) in Luanda, Angola.
The Defence Minister said the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, was committed to neutralising security threats across the country while enhancing the numerical strength and operational capabilities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and partner security agencies.
He said the government was also implementing comprehensive border management measures to contain security challenges arising from instability in the Sahel region.
“Every sector is receiving targeted interventions to enhance our national security framework,” Musa said.
“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 further said the administration was committed to integrating reliable data into national security strategies and developmental planning, assuring the diaspora community that efforts to restore lasting peace and stability remained on course.
He also commended Nigerians living in Angola for maintaining a harmonious relationship with the Nigerian diplomatic mission.
The engagement provided an avenue for government representatives to hear directly from members of the Nigerian community in Angola and respond to concerns affecting them.
The Nigerian delegation to the AU Summit was led by His Excellency Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, who represented His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
Also present at the engagement were the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; the Chairman/CEO 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.
Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo highlighted the enhanced data protection and identity management structures recently instituted by the government.
He said strengthened collaboration among relevant government agencies was already yielding measurable results.
Also speaking, the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora.
Dabiri-Erewa assured Nigerians that NiDCOM remained open to supporting their welfare and promoting opportunities capable of advancing mutual national prosperity.
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