The Federal Government has stated its determination to strengthen border security, enhance welfare for military veterans, and review key defence policy documents to reposition Nigeria’s national security architecture in response to emerging threats, the Minister of Defence said.
Retired General Christopher Musa, the Minister of Defence, announced the government’s position while receiving members of the Alumni Association of the National Defence College in Abuja.
The statement was issued by Enderline Chukwu, Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry of Defence.
Musa said Nigeria’s security environment remains fluid and increasingly complex, necessitating periodic review of existing defence frameworks.
He identified foundational documents such as the National Defence Policy (2017) and its Implementation Guidelines (2019) as key frameworks that must be updated to reflect changing realities in both domestic and global security spaces.
The minister said the Ministry of Defence will work with relevant authorities, including the Permanent Secretary and other strategic stakeholders, to begin structured consultations toward reviewing critical defence policies and related instruments.
On border security, Musa described effective management of Nigeria’s borders as a central pillar of the national security strategy.
He emphasised the need for strengthened surveillance systems and improved coordination among relevant agencies to monitor movements across the nation’s borders.
“It is important that we know who is coming in, who is going out and what is entering our country,” he said.
The minister also highlighted the importance of prioritising the welfare of military veterans, noting that personnel who have served Nigeria meritoriously deserve sustained post-service care.
He said the ministry is reviewing existing frameworks to improve healthcare access, welfare benefits and overall support systems for retired personnel in line with global standards.
Retired Rear Admiral Patrick Agholor, President of the Alumni Association of the National Defence College, commended Musa for his leadership and the reception given to association members.
Agholor said the association, made up of senior military officers and strategic experts, has the capacity to support the Ministry of Defence through research, advisory services and high-level policy engagement.
He appealed for support to strengthen the association’s operational capacity, including logistics, office infrastructure and the hosting of a future National Security Summit.
Agholor also reaffirmed the association’s commitment to working with the ministry to deepen strategic thinking and institutional reforms aimed at addressing evolving security challenges.
The meeting was attended by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Richard Pheelangwa, and other senior officials.
