Abuja: The Minister of Defence, retired Gen Christopher Musa, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to building a capable, professional, and resilient Armed Forces to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty and support national development. Musa made this declaration at the Opening of the National Symposium /Lecture Series organised to commemorate the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Ministry of Defence, under the current administration, is prioritising troop welfare, enhanced training, doctrinal refinement, and the expansion of indigenous defence production to ensure sustainable long-term security capabilities. Musa emphasized that ongoing policy and legislative reforms are revitalising local defence industries, encouraging private sector participation, creating jobs, and deepening local content while reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.
Musa highlighted that Nigeria is leveraging the expertise of skilled professionals at home an
d abroad to bolster defence innovation and capacity building. Locally manufactured defence platforms now reflect the expanding strength of Nigeria’s defence industrial base and its contribution to regional security and economic growth.
On the operational front, Musa disclosed that improved training of special forces and stronger collaboration with regional and international partners have enhanced intelligence sharing and operational effectiveness against transnational threats. He noted that sustained military offensives across various theatres have recorded notable successes, while improved naval operations and maritime domain awareness have curtailed criminal activities and protected critical national assets.
Musa underscored that security is a shared responsibility, urging communities, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and local governments to support efforts to disrupt criminal networks. He called on participants at the symposium to generate practical recommendations to further strengthen Nigeria’s
defence architecture and national cohesion.
The minister commended the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, and personnel of the Armed Forces for their resilience and dedication, assuring Nigerians that the military possesses the resolve and capacity to defeat enemies of the state. ‘Nigeria is a great nation. United and resilient, we will overcome our challenges and secure a prosperous future,’ he stated.
The minister paid tribute to fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives in defence of the nation and commended serving personnel for their courage and professionalism. He also acknowledged the sacrifices of families of deceased personnel, particularly widows, describing their resilience and patriotism as central to Nigeria’s national consciousness.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mr Richard Pheelangwa, remarked that the symposium serves as a solemn reminder that the true strength of a nation lies not only in weapons or strategy but in sacrifice, shared values, collective memory, and unwaver
ing commitment to national service. Pheelangwa emphasized that it is also a call to reflect on the ideals of unity, independence, and the future that every citizen is duty-bound to protect.
According to him, the resilience of any defence system is measured not merely by firepower, but by the quality of leadership, clarity of vision, and unity of purpose. ‘As we engage in this symposium, we reaffirm our responsibility to Nigeria and to the global community to uphold peace, stability, and the highest standards of professionalism,’ he concluded.