Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of the THISDAY-ARISE Media Group, Nduka Obaigbena, has emphasised the need to significantly increase funding for Nigeria’s defence, noting that the armed forces must be better equipped to handle the evolving threats in a volatile global landscape.
Speaking on the state of national security and governance in a Nigerian army civil-military cooperation media chat that was held on Thursday, Obaigbena called for 25% of the national budget to be allocated for national security.
“We have to ensure that our armed forces are properly funded. I call for at least 25% of our national budget for national security and the armed forces,” Obaigbena stated.
According to him, Nigeria’s current security apparatus is falling short, particularly in its use of modern technology.
“We have a national satellite company, all sorts of agencies in science and technology. Are they working with the armed forces?” he asked, challenging the government to integrate satellite capabilities into military operations, particularly in conflict-ridden areas like the Northeast and Northwest.
He questioned why Nigeria continues to import weapons when the country once had a vibrant defense industry capable of producing its own arms.
“Why are we importing bullets and arms? We have to integrate our whole defense infrastructure with our technology infrastructure to keep us safe,” he said.
Obaigbena also warned of the larger global crisis that could impact Nigeria, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the Middle East, and the potential return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency.
He stressed that peace is essential for development and that the sacrifices made by the armed forces to maintain stability should not be taken for granted.
“Nobody knows what is going to happen with crises in the Middle East, Ukraine, or even the possibility of a Trump presidency. Are we ready to keep our peace?”
In his remarks, Obaigbena also highlighted the role of the media in supporting national interests and the armed forces. He warned those in power against suppressing the press, reminding them that once they leave office, they will still need the media to tell their stories.
“The media is your friend. The media is there to protect everybody. So, those who find themselves in power and feel they can kill the media, when they leave power, they will need the media. The media is a friend of the armed forces of the people of Nigeria and the media will continue to work with the armed forces of the people of Nigeria.”
Addressing the recent surge in protests and political instability, Obaigbena further urged the armed forces to focus on real threats like kidnappers, rather than protesters.
“Stop getting involved with arresting protesters, rather arrest kidnappers. Good governance will stop protests but Kidnappers will have to face the wrath of the law. Stop getting involved in protecting election riggers. We need proper elections for governments to be held accountable.” he advised.
Beyond national security, Obaigbena also presented a broader vision for Nigeria’s future, advocating for an additional 25% of the national budget to be allocated to education, especially in the North, where literacy rates are low. He also called for another 25% to be dedicated to health and poverty alleviation programs.
“We have to support the most vulnerable in our midst,” Obaigbena said, stressing the importance of reducing taxes to stimulate economic growth.
“Put people’s money in their hands, they will grow their own food, and sort themselves out,” he added.
Chioma Kalu
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