Stakeholders have advocated the need for the government to consider and implement various reports submitted by the National Assembly aimed at enhancing National Security.
This was part of the demands made at the beginning of a three-day National Security Summit, organised by the House of Representatives in Abuja, Nigeria’s Capital.
The summit is to proffer practicable solutions to insecurity challenges bedeviling the country.
Declaring the event open, President Muhammadu Buhari, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha attributed the insecurity to the nation’s porous borders.
He called on Nigerians to put aside their ethnic, political and religious differences to join in the fight against insecurity.
“I urge you and all Nigerians to set aside ethnic, political, religious, and other considerations in the national interest and to speak frankly on the security challenges and the solutions.
I call on the Legislature to use the opportunity provided by the summit to pass more laws to enhance the operations of national security agencies.” SGF added.
Speaker House of Representatives, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila said the legislature is determined to find a lasting solution to the security challenges.
He said “At a time when insecurity threatened the authority of the State and foundations of Nigeria’s nationhood, and when the activities of insurgents, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminals impede our efforts at progress and prosperity, we must confront the realization that our previous and current approaches to addressing the challenges of insecurity have not yielded the desired results.”
President of the Senate Dr. Ahmad Lawan stressing the need for more funding for the armed forces to effectively surmount the security challenges, said the procurement processes by security agencies must be reviewed by the National Assembly.
“The National Assembly is ready at all times to partner with the security agencies in addressing their operational challenges.” Lawan explained.
Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar, in a good will message reiterated the need for the implementation of all policies and reforms garnered at such fora for the end of the insecurity.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi who attributed the insecurity to neglecting the youth, advocated for their involvement in all aspects of governance.
The Chief of Defence Staff in his address promised that the Armed Forces would take every measure necessary to restore peace to Nigeria and will defend the constitutional order at all times.
The summit is to identify specific legislative action aimed at ensuring more effective and efficient operation of security agencies through structural funding, intelligence sharing, training and welfare.
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