The Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa, has called on Nigerian students to play an active role in addressing insecurity, stressing that safeguarding national unity is a shared responsibility.
Musa made the call on Monday while addressing students of the Department of Political Science and Diplomacy from Veritas University Abuja during an educational visit to the Ministry of Defence in Abuja, according to a statement issued by the Ministry’s Chief Information Officer, Queenet Iheoma-Hart.
“Students, as youths and future leaders, have a vital role to play in fighting insecurity. See and report everything happening around you. The nation’s unity is not for government alone; everyone has a role to play in the peace and security of the nation,” he said.
The minister used the occasion to engage the students on key national security issues, including technological gaps, food and human security, as well as Nigeria’s recent Memorandum of Understanding with Turkey.
On efforts to bridge technological deficiencies, Musa disclosed that the ministry is strengthening collaboration with relevant government institutions to boost innovation and capacity.
He said: “The Ministry is working to deepen collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation to address technological shortfalls,” adding that available land resources are also being utilised to support food production through mechanised agriculture.
Speaking on defence production, Musa revealed that Nigeria is increasingly turning to local solutions. “Technologically skilled Nigerians are being integrated with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) to produce military equipment such as drones,” he said, noting that domestic production remains “the most sustainable solution to equipment shortages,” especially amid challenges in global arms procurement linked to the ongoing Iran crisis.
The minister also cautioned students against engaging in cybercrime, urging them instead to channel their creativity and skills into national development.
“Military training is not punishment. It challenges you, expands your view about life, and builds resilience. Too much comfort can stifle creativity and leave people unchallenged,” Musa said, advocating broader access to military-style training as a tool for instilling discipline and commitment among young Nigerians.
On Nigeria’s partnership with Turkey, he noted that the country has decades of experience in counter-terrorism, which Nigeria intends to leverage. According to him, “Turkey has over 40 years’ experience combating terrorism, and Nigeria intends to draw from the technology and strategies that have helped Turkey address the threat.”
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Richard Pheelangwah, welcomed the delegation of 54 students and their lecturer, explaining that the visit was designed to expose them to Nigeria’s defence architecture and career opportunities in strategic studies, intelligence and national security.
In a remark on behalf of the students, the group leader described the visit as enlightening, noting that it had deepened their understanding of the ministry’s role in ensuring peace, stability and national development.
Directors of the ministry were also in attendance at the event.
