By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Honourable Minister of Defence General Christopher Musa (Rtd) has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening border security, improving veterans’ welfare, and reviewing key defence policy frameworks to enhance Nigeria’s national security architecture.
The Minister gave the assurance while receiving members of the Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC) during a courtesy visit on Monday 23rd February, 2026 at the Ministry’s headquarters in shiphouse, Abuja.
He emphasized that Nigeria’s security environment remains dynamic and complex, requiring continuous review and upgrading of existing policies, including the National Defence Policy (2017) and its Implementation Guidelines (2019).
He stated that policy documents must evolve in response to emerging threats and changing global realities.
“Life is dynamic and our security challenges are fluid. It is important that our Armed Forces and institutional frameworks adapt accordingly,” he added.
He informed that the Ministry would liaise with relevant authorities, including the Permanent Secretary and strategic partners, to initiate structured engagements aimed at reviewing critical defence policies and other related documents requiring updates.
Speaking further, the Minister described border security as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s national security strategy noting that the importance of strengthening surveillance and control mechanisms to ensure that authorities are fully aware of movements across Nigeria’s borders is paramount.
“It is important that we know who is coming in, who is going out, and what is coming into our country,” adding that improved border control would significantly curb transnational crimes and insecurity.
Musa also stressed the need to prioritise the welfare of military veterans, emphasising that those who have served the nation deserve adequate post-service support, including healthcare and welfare benefits.
He assured stakeholders that the Ministry is reviewing frameworks to strengthen veterans’ welfare systems and explore best practices that will ensure dignity and improved living standards for retired personnel.
Earlier in his speech, the President of AANDEC, Rear Admiral Ndidi Patrick Agholor (rtd) expressed profound appreciation to the Honourable Minister
for the warm reception. He noted that AANDEC possesses the capacity and professional expertise to collaborate effectively with the Ministry of Defence in the implementation of the National Defence Policy and assured that the Association remains committed to supporting the Ministry in strengthening Nigeria’s defence architecture through research, advisory services and strategic engagements.
He further appealed for the Ministry’s support in enhancing AANDEC’s operational capacity, including assistance with mobility, office equipment, conference facilities, and the conduct of the forthcoming National Security Summit, as well as the development of the Association’s permanent facility.
Rear Admiral Agholor (rtd) further pledged AANDEC’s dedication to partnering with the Ministry in advancing national security objectives, stressing that stronger institutional collaboration would contribute meaningfully to addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
Present at the event was the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Richard Pheelangwa and the Directors.
