Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, says addressing Nigeria’s security challenges requires a combination of military action, political negotiations and justice.
He spoke yesterday while commissioning officers’ accommodation at Niger Barracks Extension and the Link Road at Mambilla Barracks in Abuja.
He said Nigeria had in recent years faced complex threats such as terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft, piracy, cyber threats and transnational organised crime.
Abbas added that these challenges evolve rapidly, testing the nation’s institutions and stretching resources.
He said, “Yet, Nigeria’s story is not merely about threats, it is also about resilience, adaptation and reform.
“Looking ahead, Nigeria’s security requires cooperation between government and society. Military action alone cannot solve every challenge. It must be complemented by political negotiations, community participation, economic empowerment and justice.”
He said the House of Representatives working with the Senate, had supported appropriations for critical platforms, munitions, communications systems, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, as well as force protection assets while ensuring accountability, value for money, and timely delivery.
He said, “We have approved funding for barracks rehabilitation, family housing, healthcare, mental health support, and post-service transition programs.”
According to him, the House through effective oversight, has promoted better inter-agency collaboration, clarified procurement processes, and drawn lessons from past experiences.
“In addition, we are advancing legislative proposals to deepen professionalism and accountability within the security sector. These include strengthening the legal framework for joint operations, improving the welfare and pension systems for serving personnel and veterans, supporting local defence industries under the *Made-in-Nigeria* initiative, and developing more agile logistics and maintenance structures,”.
This he said aims to build a military that is well-led, well-equipped, properly supported, and transparently governed — a military worthy of the great nation it serves.
“We must share intelligence, deploy technology responsibly, and ensure our troops have the resources they need to succeed.
The National Assembly stands ready to continue working with the Executive, the Armed Forces, traditional institutions, and international partners to achieve our shared objectives of peace and stability,” he added.
The Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa in his remarks said the link road and newly constructed buildings were designed not just for convenience, but as essential infrastructure that supports efficiency, safety and comfort of officers.
He reiterated that the Niger Barracks Extension Block, which will accommodate policy makers in the Defence Headquarters, provides a conducive atmosphere where they can have the peace of mind to articulate valuable and forward-thinking policies.
