Nigeria pioneers sustainable security strategy for W’Africa – Defence minister
By Umar Akilu Majeri, Dutse
Nigeria is developing a comprehensive and sustainable security strategy aimed at addressing the growing challenges in the West African sub-region.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Defense, Alhaji Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, during his speech at the 43rd Ordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defense Staff in Abuja.
The announcement, made public through a statement signed by the Minister’s Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity, Alhaji Mati Ali, highlighted the urgency of collaborative efforts among member states in tackling security threats, including terrorism, organized crime, climate change, and cyber-crime.
Alhaji Badaru emphasized the need for a unified approach to address the complex security challenges currently facing the region.
He noted that the rise of global populism and revisionist ideologies has intensified the vulnerabilities within West Africa.
“The imperative for us in the sub-region is to strengthen our bond and collective resolve is greater now than ever,” he said.
The Minister emphasised the intrinsic connection between economic growth and sustainable peace, urging the member states to foster collaboration in tackling emerging threats.
“We must recognize that we are collectively as strong as our weakest link. It is essential that we close ranks against these threats and refocus our strategy to deny terror and insecurity a breeding ground,” Badaru declared.
Minister Badaru also discussed the meeting’s key agenda, which included vital topics such as Peace Support Operations, the ECOWAS Standby Force, and Maritime Security in the Gulf of Guinea. He expressed optimism that the discussions would result in effective collaboration, innovation, and the crafting of strategies that would ensure the security needs of the region are met.
The Minister commended the Chiefs of Defence Staff for their unwavering dedication to securing West Africa, acknowledging their professionalism and commitment to peace.
He urged all participants to approach the deliberations with unity and purpose, emphasizing that their collective efforts could pave the way for a more secure and prosperous future for the sub-region.
