By Nkechi Eze
Nigeria has once again reaffirmed its commitment to continental peace, stability, and collective security as it hosted the “Capacity Building Workshop and Preparatory Meeting for the Retreat of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) Committee of Experts of the African Union (AU)” in Abuja on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
In an official statement signed by the Head of Strategic Communication, National Counterterrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Abu Michael, the event was described as another demonstration of Nigeria’s leadership and dedication to promoting security cooperation and sustainable peace across Africa.
Speaking on behalf of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Coordinator of the NCTC, Major General Adamu Garba Laka, said the event was both “a privilege and a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s strong commitment to continental peace, stability, and collective security under the framework of the African Union.”
He observed that Africa continues to grapple with complex and evolving security threats, including terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime, and instability arising from governance and socio-economic challenges. According to him, these threats have become increasingly interconnected across West Africa and the Sahel, requiring “innovative, coordinated, and sustainable responses.”
General Laka stressed that “Nigeria recognises that no country can overcome these challenges in isolation. This is why we continue to advocate and invest in regional cooperation, intelligence sharing, and capacity building as cornerstones of our collective security.”
He cited the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in September 2025 between the NCTC and the African Union Commission on “Strengthening Counterterrorism Initiatives in the West Africa and Sahel Region” as a landmark achievement. Describing the agreement as a “significant milestone,” he said it provides a practical framework for collaboration in capacity building, information sharing, and technical assistance, all in alignment with the AU’s Peace and Security Architecture (APSA).
Reaffirming the commitment of the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to advancing peace and security on the continent, General Laka said Nigeria has continued to demonstrate leadership through sustained investments in counterterrorism coordination, regional partnerships, and community-based approaches. He added that these initiatives contribute to the AU’s vision of a peaceful and secure Africa, as outlined in Agenda 2063 and the Silencing the Guns initiative.
He further noted that the workshop serves as a vital platform for experts to strengthen institutional capacities, review progress, and harmonise perspectives ahead of the forthcoming AU PSC Retreat. “It offers an opportunity for experts to exchange experiences, identify best practices, and consolidate strategies that will guide the Council’s policy direction on emerging peace and security challenges,” he said.
While wishing the delegates productive deliberations, General Laka expressed optimism that the outcomes of the meeting would reinforce Africa’s collective resolve toward building a safer, more peaceful, and resilient continent. He described the presence of the PSC Committee of Experts in Abuja as “a symbol of our nation’s enduring resolve to confront terrorism and promote stability both at home and across Africa.”
In their separate remarks, the Chairperson of the PSC Committee of Experts, Dr. Jean Djeunkeng, and the Head of the PSC Secretariat, Neema Chusi, lauded the collaboration between the NCTC and the African Union under the recently signed MoU aimed at strengthening counterterrorism initiatives in West Africa and the Sahel.
They commended the leadership of the NCTC for its commitment to fighting terrorism and violent extremism, expressing confidence that the outcomes of the 17th Retreat on the Review of the PSC Working Methods and Lessons Learned Forum would deepen understanding of the dynamics of violent conflicts across the continent.
The AU officials expressed hope that the forum would provoke meaningful collaboration among member states toward restoring durable peace, security, and sustainable socio-economic development across Africa.
