Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has called for greater investment in security research, intelligence, and strategic foresight, saying sustainable national security requires more than military operations.
Musa made the call on Friday, October 30, while commissioning the CG Musa Security Management Hub at the TETFund Centre of Excellence in Security Management, University of Ibadan, Oyo State.
He said universities and research institutions must play a critical role in understanding the root causes of insecurity, anticipating emerging threats, and developing sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s security challenges.
The minister, who said his decades of military service had taught him that effective security management begins long before threats escalate into crises, described the Hub as an important platform for bridging the gap between academic research and practical security operations.
According to him, the facility will serve as a centre for research, strategic dialogue, professional development and innovation, with particular focus on intelligence analysis, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, conflict prevention, crisis management and community engagement.
“While our Armed Forces continue to confront immediate security threats, universities provide the intellectual environment to examine the underlying causes of insecurity, evaluate existing responses, and develop sustainable solutions,” he said.
Musa stressed that securing Nigeria required a whole-of-nation approach, noting that the Federal Government was pursuing institutional reforms, improved operational capacity, partnerships, and evidence-based policymaking to strengthen national security.
He added that every Nigerian had a responsibility to contribute to the country’s security, insisting that military action alone could not address the complex challenges confronting the nation.
The minister disclosed that the idea for the Hub emerged from a lecture he delivered at the University of Ibadan in July 2025 on Global Fragility and Security Management in Nigeria.
He commended Professor B.A. Aluko, Professor Ayo Albert, the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, personnel of the 2 Division Engineers and various university departments for their contributions to the completion of the project.
Musa also congratulated the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor K.O. Adebowale, on the successful completion of his tenure, pledging continued support for institutions developing practical solutions to Nigeria’s security challenges.
He expressed the expectation that the Hub would become a centre where research informs government policy, knowledge supports security operations, and innovative ideas translate into practical solutions for a safer Nigeria.
