The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, stated that Nigeria could effectively tackle its security challenges if it received just 1% of the support that the European Union provides to Ukraine.
Badaru made this assertion at the “Road to Schuman Forum on Security and Defence” event, organized on Wednesday by the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in collaboration with the EU.
During the event, the minister appealed for increased support from the European Union (EU) to address Nigeria’s security issues. He highlighted the interconnectedness of global security, noting that insecurity in one part of the world can impact other regions.
Represented by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, Badaru stressed that even a small fraction of the resources and funding allocated to other regions, such as Ukraine, could significantly help Nigeria combat terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.
He expressed concern that Africa’s security challenges often receive less international attention compared to conflicts in other parts of the world, despite the urgent need for support.
Major General Adamu Garba Laka, the National Coordinator of NCTC, emphasized the necessity for collective efforts from stakeholders and partners to address emerging security threats in Nigeria and across the ECOWAS region.
Ambassador Samuela Isopi, head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria, stated that the meeting aimed to gather insights and assessments on peace, security, and defence challenges facing Nigeria and its regional environment.
The event served as a precursor to the Schuman Security and Defence Forum, scheduled for May 28 and 29, 2024, in Brussels, Belgium.
