Interior, Defence Ministries Deepen Partnership on National Security

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to building a stronger and more coordinated national security framework through enhanced collaboration between the Ministries of Interior and Defence.

Tunji-Ojo made the declaration on Friday in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd.), where both ministers pledged to strengthen inter-ministerial cooperation in response to evolving security threats across the country.

Speaking during the visit, the Interior Minister stressed that Nigeria’s security architecture depends on effective synergy among intelligence, internal security and defence institutions.

“Our national security architecture stands on a tripod of intelligence, internal security and defence. If one leg is weak, the entire structure is threatened,” Tunji-Ojo said.

He warned against rivalry and territorialism among security agencies, noting that Nigerians were more concerned about safety, efficiency and performance than ministerial boundaries.

Tunji-Ojo identified border security as a critical area requiring close collaboration, particularly through the Nigerian Immigration Service, adding that no country could guarantee the safety of its citizens without securing its borders.

The Interior Minister also commended senior officials, heads of security agencies and other stakeholders within the security ecosystem for their behind-the-scenes contributions to national security and stability.

In his remarks, the Minister of Defence praised Tunji-Ojo’s leadership and the reforms recorded in agencies under the Ministry of Interior, including the Nigerian Immigration Service, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigerian Correctional Service and the Federal Fire Service.

Both ministers expressed confidence that sustained collaboration between their ministries would strengthen national security, boost public confidence and ensure a safer Nigeria.

“We must do things differently. Working together is the only way Nigeria can win,” Musa said.