•Says resilient industrial base boosts economic competitiveness, regional security
Linus Aleke in Abuja
Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, has said his appointment into the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 general election would not disrupt or hinder his duties as minister.
According to a statement by Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Defence, Leah Katung-Babatunde, Musa also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of APC for appointing him as Secretary I of the presidential campaign council for the 2027 election.
Accepting the appointment, the minister described the trust reposed in him by the president and the party leadership as a call to higher service.
He assured the party hierarchy, stakeholders, and supporters across the country of his unalloyed commitment to executing the strategic responsibilities of the office with diligence, administrative rigour, and single-minded focus to guarantee victory for the party.
Musa emphasised that while undertaking this vital assignment in support of the party’s electoral agenda, his primary constitutional mandate of safeguarding the territorial integrity of Nigeria and protecting the life and property of all citizens remained absolute and uncompromising.
“National security remains our highest imperative,” the minister stated.
He added, “The ongoing operations, strategic reforms and inter-agency collaborations across the defence sector will continue unabated with increased vigour.
“Our resolve to uphold the mandate of the Ministry of Defence, protect our people and drive Mr President’s vision for a safe and prosperous Nigeria remains firm and unshakeable.”
Musa called on party members and all patriotic citizens to remain united behind the administration, expressing confidence that APC will achieve success at the polls while continuing to deliver robust governance and security nationwide.
‘Resilient Industrial Base Boosts Economic Competitiveness, Regional Peace, Security’
In another development, Musa said a resilient industrial base strengthened economic competitiveness, created productive employment, enhanced national resilience, and contributed significantly to regional peace and security.
The minister spoke at the graduation lecture for participants of National Defence College Course 34, held at the National Defence College in Abuja, yesterday.
He stressed that industrial capacity was no longer merely an economic aspiration but a strategic imperative.
The minister added that Africa’s abundant natural and human resources must be transformed into value-added production, technological innovation, and sustainable prosperity if the continent was to realise its full potential.
He said, “The security and prosperity of our nations are mutually reinforcing. Lasting peace cannot be sustained without inclusive economic growth, just as sustainable development cannot flourish in an environment of insecurity.”
He stated that building resilient institutions, investing in infrastructure, technology, and human capital, and strengthening regional cooperation were indispensable to securing Africa’s future.
According to the defence minister, “As African nations continue to deepen collaboration through continental initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area, we must collectively pursue policies that promote industrialisation, innovation and shared prosperity.
“To the graduating participants of Course 34, you are returning to your respective Services, Ministries, Departments and Agencies at a time when strategic leadership is more critical than ever.
“The knowledge and networks you have acquired here must now translate into sound policy, innovative thinking and effective leadership.
“I encourage you to champion integrated approaches that strengthen national resilience, promote economic development and enhance peace and security, not only within your respective countries but across the African continent.”