Written by
Ishioma Appiah-Yeboah
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to moving from policy formulation to full implementation as the Ministry of Defence on Wednesday inaugurated three key strategic committees aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s national security framework and improving veterans’ welfare.
The inauguration was performed by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), OFR, at the Ministry’s headquarters, Ship House, Abuja.
The committees 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.
Speaking at the event, the Minister said the initiative reflects government’s determination to ensure that defence policies translate into actionable results that address current and emerging security challenges.
On border security, he tasked the committee with developing a modern, intelligence-driven and technology-enabled system to enhance coordination, real-time information sharing, and inter-agency cooperation across Nigeria’s borders.
For the capital planning committee, Gen. Musa emphasized the need for a realistic 5–10 year investment framework to guide defence spending, close capability gaps, and align military development with evolving threats and fiscal realities.
He also highlighted veterans’ welfare as a national priority, charging the relevant committee to strengthen support systems and develop reforms, including a standardized national dress code aimed at promoting dignity, identity, and global best practices for ex-service personnel.
The Minister urged all committees to work with professionalism, accountability, and urgency, noting that they are expected to submit comprehensive reports and implementation roadmaps within one month.
He assured them of full ministerial support to ensure effective delivery of their mandates.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, commended the Minister’s leadership and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to improving security operations and veterans’ welfare, describing the assignment as a call to national service.
The Defence Ministry says the initiative marks a significant step toward modernising Nigeria’s defence system and strengthening national resilience.