The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) on Wednesday 7th February 2024 convened a second UK-Nigeria Security Defence Partnership Dialogue in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
This according to Head Strategic Communication, Zakari Mijinyawa is part of a decisive move to address the security challenges facing Nigeria and to bolster regional and international security.
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, said the event marked another significant milestone in the enduring partnership between the United Kingdom and Nigeria in its unwavering commitment to regional, continental and global security, stability and peace.
Ribadu said the longstanding ties between the United Kingdom and Nigeria are grounded in their shared values, mutual respect, and a common aspiration for a safer and more prosperous world.
The NSA said the dialogue serves as a pivotal platform for honest and constructive discussions on a wide range of contemporary security challenges confronting the nations and the international community at large.
According to him,“In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, the importance of robust multilateral cooperation and information sharing cannot be overstated
“It is through forums such as this that we reaffirm our collective resolve to confront emerging threats, adapt to evolving security dynamics, and uphold the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law,” stated the NSA.
Ribadu recalled that the first edition of the forum was held in London from Jan. 31 to Feb. 2, 2022 during which several commitments were made and centred on ways of strengthening collaboration in the areas of defence cooperation, countering terrorism, violent extremism, organised crime and illicit financial flows as well as enhancing maritime security among others.
“Therefore, it is pertinent to assess the level of implementation of the commitments made by both countries. It is also vital to review the commitments made in order to identify current areas of priority in line with prevailing issues and extant national objectives,” he said.
The NSA further disclosed that Nigeria had made efforts to implement its end of the commitments made during the inaugural Dialogue which include the establishment of the Anti-Kidnapping Fusion Centre and the integration of civil security outfit into the Fusion Cell.
He pointed out that harnessing their respective strengths and expertise, can enhance the collective ability to anticipate and respond effectively to emerging threats, while fostering greater trust and interoperability between the two nation’s defense and security establishments.
Ribadu emphasized that with the advent of artificial intelligence and robotics, investing in human capital and cultivating a culture of innovation and excellence are paramount to ensuring the long-term resilience and effectiveness of the security institutions.
The UK National Security Adviser, Tim Barrow, represented by his Deputy, Dame Sarah Macintosh, said the Uk operates in a relationship of mutual respect and share a determination to make its contributions separately and together to Strenghten peace, security, stability and prosperity for all.
He said the two countries through the security, defence partnership and dialogue, can advance the shared objectives and deepen partnership to build on each others national security.
“UK is fully committed to our friendship and partnership with Nigeria and we thank you for your commitment to that partnership there too and I’m personally delighted to be part of strengthening and deepening it through this dialogue
“As security challenges around the world grow, it has become increasingly crucial to support our allies to uphold regional and international peace. This week we reaffirmed our commitment to Nigeria, building on progress made since the last UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership dialogue, from tackling -terrorism and countering violent extremism to defending against cyber-attacks”.
The UK National Security Adviser expressed appreciation to the Government of Nigeria for their partnership and looks forward to deepening the cooperation across the Security and Defence sector.
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