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Nigeria Could Overcome Insecurity with 1% of Aid Given to Ukraine, FG Informs EU |
The Nigerian Federal Government has appealed for increased assistance from the European Union (EU) to address the nation's security issues.
Speaking at the "Road to Schuman Forum on Security and Defence" event, organized by the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in partnership with the EU on Wednesday in Abuja, Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru emphasized that the interconnectedness of the world makes insecurity in one nation a threat to all.
Dr. Ibrahim Kana, the ministry's permanent secretary, represented him, stating, "One might believe that being in Europe or America means safety. However, the truth is that issues affecting one part of the globe can impact another."
Badaru highlighted Nigeria's numerous security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping, and urged the EU to bolster the government's efforts to combat these issues.
He implored, "If just 1% of the support given to Ukraine were directed to Nigeria, even a mere 1% of the military funding, we are confident we could effectively counter banditry and terrorism."
He expressed concern that the EU and other nations seem to prioritize other regions over the instability and insecurity in Africa.
"We're not engaged in warfare; our battle is against insecurity and terrorism, which requires minimal resources to address," he added.
The Minister pointed out that many African nations grappling with insecurity, particularly Niger, are impoverished. He suggested that even a small portion of the resources allocated for the Ukraine conflict could significantly aid Africa in its fight against terrorism.
He reassured that Nigeria remains committed to fostering peace both within the continent and globally.
Major General Adamu Garba Laka, the National Coordinator of the NCTC, Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), called for a unified approach among all stakeholders and partners to tackle the current and future security threats, thereby promoting national and regional development in the ECOWAS area.
The National Coordinator noted that the event aimed to strengthen partnerships amidst the evolving security dynamics worldwide, highlighting the deployment of comprehensive government and societal strategies to improve national responses to security challenges.
He expressed gratitude to the EU for its dedication to maintaining peace and security in Nigeria and the ECOWAS region.
Amb. Samuela Isopi, head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria, mentioned that the meeting's purpose was to consolidate perspectives on the primary peace, security, and defense issues facing Nigeria and its surrounding region.
Ambassador Isopi underscored the importance of collaborative security and defense partnerships between Nigeria and the EU in light of the changing global security landscape.
"No one can afford to work in isolation," she remarked.
The gathering served as an introduction to the upcoming Schuman Security and Defence Forum, scheduled for May 28 and 29, 2024, in Brussels, Belgium. Nigeria is set to join 27 EU member states, 60 partner countries, and various international organizations at the forum.
