Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has stressed the need for a combination of military action, political negotiations and justice to address Nigeria’s security challenges.
Speaking while commissioning officers’ accommodation at Niger Barracks Extension and the Link Road at Mambilla Barracks in Abuja, he noted that Nigeria had in some years faced complex threats as terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft, piracy, cyber threats and transnational organised crime.
According to Abbas, “these challenges evolve rapidly, testing the nation’s institutions and stretching resources.”
He lamented that yet, Nigeria’s story was not merely about threats, but resilience, adaptation and reform, and that looking ahead, Nigeria’s security required cooperation between the government and the society.
The Speaker believed that military action alone cannot solve every challenge, saying that it must be complemented by political negotiations, community participation, economic empowerment and justice.
He disclosed that the House of Representatives working with the Senate, had supported appropriations for critical platforms, munitions, communications systems, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities and force protection assets, as well ensured accountability, value for money, and timely delivery.
He added that they had approved funding for barracks rehabilitation, family housing, healthcare, mental health support, and post-service transition programs, stressing that the House, through effective oversight, had promoted better inter-agency collaboration, clarified procurement processes, and drawn lessons from past experiences.
In addition, Abbas said that they were advancing legislative proposals to deepen professionalism and accountability within the security sector, which included strengthening the legal framework for joint operations, improving the welfare and pension systems for serving personnel and veterans, supporting local defence industries under the “Made-in-Nigeria” initiative, and developing more agile logistics and maintenance structures.
The National Assembly, he assured, stands ready to continue working with the Executive, the Armed Forces, traditional institutions, and international partners to achieve their shared objectives of peace and stability.
In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, explained that the link road and newly constructed buildings were designed not just for convenience, but as essential infrastructure that supports efficiency, safety and comfort of officers.
He believed that the Niger Barracks Extension Block would accommodate policy makers in the Defence Headquarters and provide a conducive atmosphere where they could have the peace of mind to articulate valuable and forward-thinking policies.
