Musa pledges border overhaul, veterans’ welfare reform in new defence policy review
The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to tightening border security, enhancing welfare for military veterans and reviewing key defence policy frameworks to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
Musa gave the assurance on Monday while receiving members of the Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC) during a courtesy visit to the Ministry’s headquarters at Ship House, Abuja.
He said Nigeria’s security environment remains dynamic and complex, stressing the need for continuous review of existing defence documents, including the National Defence Policy (2017) and its 2019 Implementation Guidelines.
According to the Minister, policy frameworks must adapt to emerging threats and shifting global realities to remain effective. He disclosed that the Ministry would liaise with the Permanent Secretary and other strategic partners to initiate structured engagements aimed at updating critical defence documents.
On border security, Musa described it as a central pillar of Nigeria’s national security strategy. He emphasised the need to strengthen surveillance and control mechanisms to monitor movements across the country’s borders more effectively.
“It is important that we know who is coming in, who is going out, and what is coming into our country,” he said in a statement by Enderline Chukwu, spokesperson to the ministry, noting that improved border management would help curb transnational crimes and other security threats.
The Minister also highlighted the importance of prioritising the welfare of retired military personnel. He said the Ministry is reviewing existing frameworks to strengthen veterans’ healthcare and welfare benefits to ensure improved living standards and dignity in retirement.
Earlier, AANDEC President, Rear Admiral Ndidi Patrick Agholor (Rtd), commended the Minister for the warm reception and pledged the association’s readiness to collaborate with the Ministry in implementing the National Defence Policy through research, advisory services and strategic engagements.
