By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Honourable Minister of Defence General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd) OFR has on Wednesday 29th April, 2026 at the Ministry’s headquarters Ship house, Abuja formally inaugurated three strategic technical committees aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s national defence architecture, enhancing long-term military planning, and improving the welfare and institutional recognition of veterans.
The Minister emphasized that the inauguration ceremony is aimed at bringing to the fore the Federal Government’s commitment to moving from policy intentions to actionable implementation in addressing critical defence and security priorities.
The committees inaugurated include:
The Technical Committee on Integrated Border Security System,
the Defence Sector Capital Requirements Plan Committee and
the Committee on Veterans Welfare and Institutional Reform.
Gen. Musa informed that the establishment of these committees reflects a deliberate and coordinated effort to address evolving security challenges, improve operational readiness, and ensure that those who have served the nation are accorded the dignity and support they deserve.
On border security, the Minister noted that Nigeria’s extensive and complex land and maritime boundaries require a coordinated, Smart, intelligence-driven, and technology-enabled approach. He charged the Technical Committee on Integrated Border Security System to undertake a comprehensive review of existing frameworks, identify operational gaps, and recommend an integrated solution that ensures interoperability, real-time information sharing, and effective inter-agency collaboration.
Addressing the Defence Sector Capital Requirements Plan Committee, the Minister highlighted the importance of forward-looking investment planning in maintaining a capable and responsive Armed Forces. The committee has been tasked with developing a realistic, prioritised, and costed 5–10 year capital investment framework aligned with national security objectives and fiscal realities that includes assessing existing infrastructure, identifying capability gaps, and projecting future requirements in line with emerging threats and technological advancements.
On veterans’ welfare, the Minister underscored the need to preserve the dignity, identity, and well-being of former service personnel. He stated that the Committee on Veterans Welfare and Institutional Reform will focus on strengthening welfare systems, improving access to support services, and developing a standardized national dress code for veterans.
This initiative, he explained, is intended to promote uniformity, restore dignity, and align Nigeria’s practices with global standards while reflecting national identity and military heritage.
Speaking further, the Honourable Minister charged members of the committees to carry out their assignments with professionalism, diligence, and a strong sense of national duty stressing the importance of stakeholder engagement, transparency, accountability, and value for money in delivering practical and implementable recommendations.
All the committees have been given a timeline of one month to submit comprehensive reports, including actionable recommendations and clear implementation roadmaps.
The Ministry assured the committees of its full support in facilitating the successful execution of their mandates.
This initiative marks a significant step in the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to modernize Nigeria’s defence and security framework, enhance institutional coordination, and strengthen national resilience.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr Richard Pheelangwah appreciated the Honourable Minister for his commitment to national security advancement and improving the welfare of the officers. He assured that the leadership of the Honourable Minister is resolute and committed to supporting and seeing to the welfare of the officers/veterans. He called on the committees to see the assignment as a call to national service and execute the assignment with patriotism.
