Defence Minister Inaugurates Strategic Committees on Security, Military Planning And Veterans’ Welfare

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), has inaugurated three strategic technical committees as part of fresh efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s defence architecture, improve long-term military planning and enhance the welfare of veterans.

The committees inaugurated by the minister are the Technical Committee on Integrated Border Security System, the Defence Sector Capital Requirements Plan Committee, and the Committee on Veterans Welfare and Institutional Reform.

Speaking during the inauguration, General Musa said the move reflects the Federal Government’s determination to move beyond policy declarations into practical implementation of measures designed to address Nigeria’s pressing defence and security priorities.

He said the committees were established to support a more coordinated response to emerging security threats, improve operational readiness across the defence sector and ensure that former service personnel receive the dignity, recognition and support they deserve.

On border security, the minister noted that Nigeria’s vast land and maritime boundaries require a smarter, intelligence-driven and technology-enabled approach. He charged the Technical Committee on Integrated Border Security System to review existing border security frameworks, identify operational gaps and recommend an integrated model that promotes interoperability, real-time information sharing and stronger collaboration among relevant agencies.

General Musa said the Defence Sector Capital Requirements Plan Committee would be responsible for developing a realistic and properly costed five-to-ten-year capital investment framework for the Armed Forces.

According to him, the framework must be aligned with Nigeria’s national security objectives and current fiscal realities. He added that the committee would assess existing defence infrastructure, identify capability gaps and project future requirements in line with emerging threats and technological developments.

On veterans’ welfare, the minister said the Committee on Veterans Welfare and Institutional Reform would focus on strengthening welfare systems, improving access to support services and developing a standardised national dress code for veterans.

He explained that the proposed dress code is intended to promote uniformity, restore dignity and align Nigeria’s practices with global standards while still reflecting the country’s military heritage and national identity.

General Musa urged members of the committees to carry out their assignments with professionalism, diligence and a strong sense of national duty. He also emphasised the need for stakeholder engagement, transparency, accountability and value for money in producing practical recommendations.

The committees have been given one month to submit comprehensive reports, including actionable recommendations and clear implementation roadmaps.

The Ministry of Defence assured the committees of full institutional support to enable them carry out their assignments successfully.

The ministry said the initiative marks another important step in the Federal Government’s ongoing effort to modernise Nigeria’s defence and security framework, strengthen institutional coordination and build national resilience.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, commended the minister for his commitment to national security advancement and the welfare of officers and veterans.

He said the ministry’s leadership remains committed to supporting initiatives that improve the welfare of serving and retired personnel, while urging members of the committees to treat the assignment as a call to national service and execute it with patriotism.