The President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, has advocated for enhanced use of modern technology and improved regional collaboration to strengthen Nigeria’s border security amid rising transnational threats.
Akpabio made the call at the opening of the 15th National Security Seminar organised by the Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC) on Tuesday in Abuja.
He was represented at the event by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Sen. Ahmed Lawan.
The Senate President noted that effective border management remains central to national security, economic stability, and territorial integrity.
According to him, Nigeria’s vast land and maritime borders expose the country to risks such as illegal migration, arms trafficking, smuggling, and infiltration by criminal and extremist groups.
“As a country with extensive land and maritime boundaries, Nigeria faces significant challenges relating to border control, illegal migration, arms trafficking, smuggling and the infiltration of criminal and extremist elements,” he said.
Akpabio stressed the need to strengthen border security architecture through improved surveillance systems, infrastructure development, inter-agency coordination, technological innovation, and deeper regional cooperation.
He noted that many of the security challenges facing Nigeria have cross-border dimensions, requiring coordinated responses at both national and regional levels.
The Senate President warned that poorly managed and porous borders remain a major vulnerability that could undermine national stability and security efforts.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the National Assembly to supporting the Armed Forces and security agencies through legislation, oversight, and adequate funding.
“There can be no meaningful development without peace and security,” he added.
Akpabio also commended AANDEC for selecting a timely seminar theme focused on strengthening Nigeria’s border security architecture, describing it as relevant to current national security concerns.
He called for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, involving security agencies, civil society, traditional institutions, the private sector, media, and academia in addressing insecurity.
The Senate President urged participants at the seminar to generate practical recommendations that would support government policy and improve border management systems.
He expressed confidence that the discussions would contribute meaningfully to strengthening national security and enhancing border governance.
Earlier, the Acting President of AANDEC, retired Commodore Amatare Kpou, said the seminar is a key part of the association’s annual activities and contributes to the National Defence College curriculum.
He explained that the forum was designed to promote informed dialogue on Nigeria’s security challenges through seminars, workshops, and research publications.
Kpou described the theme as timely, noting that Nigeria’s borders face increasing pressure from irregular migration, smuggling, trafficking, and other transnational crimes.
He added that experts from the military, security agencies, diplomatic corps, academia, and government institutions were brought together to provide broad perspectives on border security solutions.
Kpou expressed optimism that the seminar would produce actionable recommendations to support policymakers in strengthening Nigeria’s border security framework.
