By Sumaila Ogbaje
The President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, has called for the deployment of modern technology and stronger regional cooperation to fortify Nigeria’s borders against rising security threats.
Akpabio made the call at the opening of the 15th National Security Seminar organised by the Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC) on Tuesday in Abuja.
Represented by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Sen. Ahmed Lawan, Akpabio said effective border management was central to national security and stability.
According to him, Nigeria’s extensive land and maritime boundaries present significant challenges relating to illegal migration, arms trafficking, smuggling and the infiltration of criminal and extremist elements.
“As a country with extensive land and maritime boundaries, Nigeria faces significant challenges relating to border control, illegal migration, arms trafficking, smuggling and the infiltration of criminal and extremist elements.
“It is therefore imperative that Nigeria prioritises the strengthening of its border security architecture through improved surveillance, enhanced infrastructure, better inter-agency coordination, technological innovation and stronger regional cooperation,” he said.
The Senate President noted that many of the security threats confronting Nigeria had transnational dimensions, making coordinated responses essential.
He said that porous and poorly managed borders could become vulnerabilities that undermine national security efforts and national stability.
Akpabio reaffirmed the commitment of the National Assembly to supporting the Armed Forces and other security agencies through appropriate legislation, oversight and adequate funding.
According to him, there can be no meaningful development without peace and security.
He commended AANDEC for choosing the theme of the seminar, “Strengthening Nigeria’s Border Security Architecture for National Stability,” describing it as timely and relevant to the country’s security realities.
The Senate President called for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to tackling insecurity, stressing that government institutions, security agencies, civil society organisations, the private sector, traditional institutions, the media and academia all had critical roles to play.
He also urged participants at the seminar to engage actively and generate practical recommendations that would support national policy and strengthen Nigeria’s border management framework.
Akpabio expressed confidence that the deliberations would contribute meaningfully to advancing the nation’s security objectives and enhancing border governance.
Earlier, the Acting President of AANDEC, retired Commodore Amatare Kpou, said the seminar had become a regular feature in the association’s annual calendar and a key component of the National Defence College course curriculum.
Kpou said the seminar was organised in line with AANDEC’s mandate to promote informed discourse on national security challenges and opportunities through conferences, seminars, workshops and publications.
He described the theme, ”Strengthening Nigeria’s Border Security Architecture for National Stability,” as timely and significant, noting that border security remained a critical component of national security in the face of evolving transnational threats, irregular migration, smuggling, trafficking and other cross-border crimes.
According to him, the seminar will examine the current state of border security in Nigeria, emerging challenges, policy options and modern approaches to border management.
He added that the forum had assembled resource persons from the military, security agencies, diplomatic community, academia and relevant government institutions to provide diverse perspectives on the subject.
Kpou expressed confidence that the deliberations would produce valuable recommendations for policymakers and contribute to the nation’s quest for a safer and more secure Nigeria. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Isaac Aregbesola
