The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, have called for the deployment of modern technology and stronger regional cooperation to strengthen Nigeria’s border security architecture and tackle emerging security threats.
The duo made the call on Tuesday at the 15th National Security Seminar organised by the Alumni Association of the National Defence College in Abuja.
Represented by the Director of Policy and Strategy at the Office of the National Security Adviser, Yazid Gbemudu, Ribadu said Nigeria’s territorial integrity and national stability depend largely on the effectiveness of its border security framework.
He noted that while Nigeria’s extensive land and maritime borders facilitate trade and regional integration, they also expose the country to terrorism, arms trafficking, smuggling, human trafficking, irregular migration and other forms of transnational organised crime.
According to him, the Federal Government has continued to strengthen border management through the implementation of the National Border Management Strategy, which promotes intelligence collaboration, improved surveillance, stronger infrastructure and modern border management processes.
Ribadu said the deployment of Border Management Information Systems and other technological solutions at key entry and exit points had enhanced data collection, traveller screening and migration monitoring.
He stressed the need for increased investment in technology-driven solutions, including biometric identification systems, advanced monitoring technologies and data-driven security frameworks.
The NSA also advocated greater regional and bilateral cooperation, noting that many security challenges confronting Nigeria’s borders are transnational and require coordinated responses among neighbouring countries.
Speaking at the seminar, Akpabio, represented by Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Ahmad Lawan, said Nigeria’s vast land and maritime boundaries present significant security challenges.
He called for improved surveillance, enhanced infrastructure, stronger inter-agency collaboration, technological innovation and regional partnerships to effectively address insecurity.
Akpabio stressed that peace and security remain critical to national development, warning that poorly managed borders could undermine efforts to achieve stability and economic growth.
Earlier, Acting President of the Alumni Association of the National Defence College, Amatare Kpou, described the seminar as a platform for advancing discussions on national security challenges and solutions.
He said the theme of the seminar, “Strengthening Nigeria’s Border Security Architecture for National Stability,” was timely given the growing threats of irregular migration, smuggling, trafficking and other cross-border crimes.
The seminar ended with renewed calls for improved border management, enhanced technology deployment and stronger collaboration among security agencies and neighbouring countries to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
