The Federal Government has assured Nigerians living abroad that measures are being intensified to improve national security and make the country safer for citizens returning home.
Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, gave the assurance during a meeting with members of the Nigerian community in Angola, where he outlined ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s security architecture.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Luanda.
A statement issued on Sunday by Musa’s Special Assistant on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde, said the engagement provided an opportunity for members of the diaspora community to raise their concerns directly with senior government officials.
The Nigerian delegation to the AU Summit was led by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Musa thanked Nigerians in Angola for sustaining a cordial relationship with the Nigerian diplomatic mission and reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to tackling security threats across the country.
He said the government was expanding the manpower and operational capacity of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies as part of broader efforts to strengthen national security.
“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.”
The minister also said the government was continuing to incorporate reliable data into national security policies and development planning.
According to him, the administration remains focused on achieving sustainable peace and stability across the country, while addressing security challenges that have implications beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Also speaking at the engagement, Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, drew attention to improvements in the country’s identity management and data protection systems.
Tunji-Ojo said stronger cooperation among government agencies was already producing measurable outcomes in the management of national security and identity-related issues.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, assured Nigerians abroad that NiDCOM would continue to prioritise their welfare.
She also reiterated the commission’s commitment to creating platforms through which Nigerians in the diaspora could contribute to the country’s development and shared prosperity.
The Acting Chargé d’Affaires of the Nigerian Mission in Angola, Ambassador Maxy Ogbede, also attended the meeting.
