The Ministry of Defence has expressed its intention to collaborate with the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in addressing the security challenges in Nigeria. The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, conveyed this commitment during a meeting with the Executives of the National Institute, led by Director General Prof. Ayo Omotayo, at Ship House, Abuja.
According to a press release by Barr. Henshaw Ogubike, the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Defence, Badaru emphasized the significance of adopting research results from NIPSS to mitigate security threats and promote peace and stability in the region.
The minister assured the delegation that concrete actions were being taken to enhance the security situation in the country, recognizing the institute as an instrument of change for national development. He mentioned that the report of the recent security summit held by the Northern Group would be forwarded to NIPSS for further studies and analysis.
Badaru reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to collaborative efforts aimed at strengthening the security architecture through research outcomes.
Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, explained that the ongoing reform within the ministry and its agencies aims to bring cohesion and facilitate the prompt discharge of constitutional responsibilities by the Armed Forces. The restructuring includes enhancing Military-Civilian interaction to foster better relations between the military and civilians, similar to practices in other countries.
Prof. Omotayo, leader of the delegation, stated that the purpose of their visit was to seek the Ministry’s support in the areas of security, infrastructure, and the deployment of Directing Staff to the Institute. He congratulated Minister Badaru on his appointment and expressed the Institute’s pride in having its members achieve significant feats.
In a related development, the press release mentioned that Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, was honored during his recent visit to Makkah to perform Umrah in Saudi Arabia.