By Lengnan Tobias

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, says Nigeria’s national security landscape is undergoing rapid and profound transformation.

Ribadu said this on Thursday in Abuja at the inauguration of the committee to review the National Security Strategy 2019 and formulate National Security Strategy 2026.

Ribadu who was represented by the Chairman of the committee, retired Maj.-Gen. Sarkin Bello, said the domestic, regional and global security environments had changed dramatically since the last review in 2019.

“We are today confronted by a complex matrix of threats and problems.

“These problems range from terrorism, banditry and kidnapping to sophisticated cyber threats, misinformation, economic problems, food insecurity and environmental challenges, among others.

“To effectively safeguard the sovereignty, unity and prosperity of Nigeria, our strategic framework must address all these challenges. This is why this assignment is highly monumental,” he said.

Ribadu explained that the National Security Strategy 2026 would serve as overarching compass for coordinating national security, resilience and sustainable development for Nigeria.

He said the strategy must reflect current realities, anticipate future disruptions and directly support realisation of national objectives and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in areas of human security, economic transformation and national cohesion.

He thanked the chairman of the committee and his deputy, retired Maj. Gen. Emeka Onumajuru, for accepting to lead the process.

He also thanked the Secretary, Ambassador Patrick Gbemudu, and the ONSA Secretariat led by Brig.-Gen. Olutayo Adesuyi, for ensuring seamless coordination.

Ribadu said diverse composition of the committee reflected that national security was a shared responsibility.

He urged members representing ministries, armed forces, civil society and academia to approach the assignment with diligence, professionalism and patriotism.

He added that the committee had up to Nov. 27 to submit its report.

“I urge you to engage robustly with our resource institutions and strategic stakeholders to produce a comprehensive, realistic and actionable document.

“Nigeria demands a strategy that is realistic and implementable,” he said.

Ribadu assured the committee that the ONSA would provide all necessary administrative, technical and logistic support to ensure its success.(NAN)

Edited by Deborah Coker