By Nkechi Eze
The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s border security, improving the welfare of military veterans, and reviewing critical defence policy frameworks to enhance the nation’s security architecture.
The assurance was given on Monday, February 23, 2026, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Shiphouse, Abuja, during a courtesy visit by members of the Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC), according to an official statement by Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Enderline Chukwu.
General Musa emphasized that Nigeria’s security environment is dynamic and complex, requiring continuous updates to policy documents, including the National Defence Policy (2017) and its Implementation Guidelines (2019). “Life is dynamic and our security challenges are fluid. It is important that our Armed Forces and institutional frameworks adapt accordingly,” he said. The Minister added that the Ministry would work closely with the Permanent Secretary and strategic partners to review and update critical defence policies.
On border security, Musa described it as a cornerstone of national security, stressing the need for strengthened surveillance and control mechanisms to monitor movements across the country’s borders. “It is important that we know who is coming in, who is going out, and what is coming into our country,” he said, adding that improved border control would significantly reduce transnational crimes and insecurity.
The Minister also highlighted the importance of military veterans’ welfare, assuring that frameworks are being reviewed to provide adequate post-service support, including healthcare and other welfare benefits, to ensure dignity and improved living standards for retired personnel.
Speaking earlier, the President of AANDEC, Rear Admiral Ndidi Patrick Agholor, thanked the Minister for the warm reception and pledged the Association’s commitment to supporting the Ministry through research, advisory services, and strategic engagement. He further requested the Ministry’s assistance in enhancing AANDEC’s operational capacity, including mobility, office equipment, conference facilities, the upcoming National Security Summit, and the development of a permanent facility for the Association.
Rear Admiral Agholor underscored that stronger institutional collaboration between AANDEC and the Ministry would meaningfully contribute to addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
The event was also attended by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Richard Pheelangwa, and other Directors.
