The Nigerian government has appealed for increased support from the European Union (EU) to address the security challenges facing the country.
Speaking at the “Road to Schuman Forum on Security and Defence” event organised by the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in collaboration with the EU in Abuja, the Nigerian Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, stated the interconnected nature of global security threats.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, Badaru emphasised that security issues in one country can have far-reaching implications for neighbouring nations and the international community as a whole.
Badaru highlighted Nigeria’s multifaceted security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping, and urged the EU to provide support to address these pressing issues.
He appealed for a proportionate allocation of resources, drawing attention to the disparity in attention and assistance compared to other regions of the world.
Badaru stressed the importance of international solidarity in combating insecurity, expressing confidence in Nigeria’s commitment to promoting peace both domestically and across the African continent.
Meanwhile, Major General Adamu Garba Laka, the National Coordinator of NCTC, emphasised the need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to address security threats and foster national development.
He reiterated the importance of effective partnerships in navigating the evolving security landscape, particularly in the ECOWAS region.
Ambassador Samuela Isopi, representing the EU Delegation to Nigeria and West Africa, underscored the significance of the meeting in assessing and addressing peace, security, and defence challenges in Nigeria and the broader regional context.
Isopi noted the importance of tailored security and defence partnerships between Nigeria and the EU, highlighting the interconnectedness of global security issues.
The event serves as a precursor to the upcoming Schuman Security and Defence Forum in Brussels, Belgium, where Nigeria is set to participate alongside EU member states, partner countries, and international organisations.
