Defence Minister General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd.) has called for stronger institutions, responsible citizenship and closer cooperation between government and civil society organisations as essential elements of nation-building in Nigeria. Musa made the call on Friday in Abuja while speaking as Chairman of the Nigerian Nation Builders Annual Conference 2026.
Key Highlights
- Defence Minister Christopher Musa calls for stronger institutions and responsible citizenship.
- Musa says nation-building should involve government, civil society and citizens.
- The minister links national security and nation-building to the protection of lives, livelihoods and property.
- Officials discuss measures to discourage electoral violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
- FCT Controller of Corrections Christopher Peter Jem says about 168 inmates are enrolled in skills acquisition programmes.
- Mining Marshals Commander John Attah Onoja highlights efforts to tackle illegal mining.
- NCAA Director-General Captain Chris Ona Najomo receives a Nation Builder Award.
- Najomo highlights Nigeria’s 91.3 per cent ICAO Effective Implementation score in aviation safety oversight.
- The conference focused on leadership, security, civic responsibility, youth development and national development.
Musa Calls for Stronger Institutions and Responsible Citizenship
The Nigerian Nation Builders Annual Conference 2026, organised by the National Council for Civil Society Organisations (NACCSO) in partnership with the Vision-One Leadership Development Initiative (VOLDI), was held at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Asokoro, Abuja.
The event formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary and was held under the theme, “Promoting Excellence in Nation Building.”
Represented at the conference, Musa said nation-building could not be left to government alone, stressing that leadership, citizenship and public service across society would influence the country’s development.
He commended NACCSO and VOLDI for sustaining the annual conference, describing it as an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on their responsibilities to the country.
Defence Minister Links Security to Nation-Building
Musa said nation-building extends beyond government offices, noting that communities, workplaces, institutions and families also have roles to play in strengthening Nigeria’s social fabric.
According to him, national security and nation-building are closely connected because citizens require protection for their lives, livelihoods and property to participate effectively in economic and social development.
He said the responsibility of the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces should therefore be viewed within the wider national effort to create an environment where Nigerians can live, work, invest and educate their children safely.
Musa Urges Government and Civil Society Collaboration
The Defence Minister also stressed the importance of collaboration between government and civil society organisations.
He said organisations operating close to communities could help identify emerging tensions, mediate disputes and support efforts to prevent conflicts from escalating.
Musa also commended initiatives aimed at discouraging electoral violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He urged political actors, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, the media and citizens to promote tolerance, responsible political participation and respect for the rule of law.
The minister subsequently declared the 4th Nigerian Nation Builders Annual Conference 2026 open.
168 FCT Inmates Enrolled in Skills Acquisition Programmes
Also speaking at the conference, the Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Christopher Peter Jem, disclosed that about 168 inmates had been enrolled in various skills acquisition programmes across correctional facilities in the Federal Capital Territory.
Jem said the initiative was designed to equip inmates with practical skills that could support their reintegration into society and reduce the likelihood of returning to crime after release.
He said the programme followed discussions on the need to combine rehabilitation with practical empowerment.
The Controller also commended NACCSO and VOLDI for their contributions to nation-building.
Mining Marshals Highlight Efforts Against Illegal Mining
Commander John Attah Onoja, Commander of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Mining Marshals, outlined measures being taken to strengthen enforcement and accountability in Nigeria’s mining sector.
Onoja said the Mining Marshals, inaugurated in March 2024, were established to strengthen enforcement while supporting the formalisation of mining activities.
He said the corps had restored more than 100 mining sites to their legitimate owners and filed several cases involving alleged illegal mining offences.
The commander also advocated greater value addition in the solid minerals sector, saying Nigeria should increase the domestic processing of its mineral resources rather than relying heavily on the export of raw minerals.
NCAA DG Najomo Receives Nation Builder Award
Meanwhile, Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Ona Najomo, received a Nation Builder Award for his contributions to aviation safety regulation and industry development.
Najomo, who was represented at the event, said effective safety oversight and regulatory compliance remained important to the sustainable growth of Nigeria’s aviation sector.
He attributed progress recorded by the NCAA to the collective efforts of its management and staff, as well as cooperation from airlines, maintenance organisations, service providers and other aviation stakeholders.
Najomo Highlights Nigeria’s 91.3% ICAO Safety Score
Najomo also referenced Nigeria’s 2026 ICAO Coordinated Validation Mission, noting that the country recorded a 91.3 per cent Effective Implementation score in the assessment of its aviation safety oversight system.
The 91.3 per cent figure has also been cited in recent reports on Nigeria’s aviation regulatory performance. However, Najomo previously disclosed that Nigeria’s score in the specific area of financial resources for safety oversight was 50 per cent.
He said the result reflected efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s regulatory framework and improve implementation of international aviation safety standards, while emphasising the need to sustain the progress.
Abuja Conference Focuses on Nation-Building
The Nigerian Nation Builders Annual Conference 2026 brought together government officials, security and regulatory agencies, civil society representatives, community leaders and other stakeholders.
Discussions focused on leadership, civic responsibility, national security, youth development and national development.
The organisers said the annual gathering was established to recognise individuals and institutions whose activities contribute to Nigeria’s development while encouraging greater commitment to responsible citizenship and public service. For more updates, follow us on X.
