House Urges Military to Foster International Cooperation in Tackling Terrorism
Calls on FG to halt brain drain
Adedayo Akinwale and Juliet Akoje in Abuja
The House of Representatives yesterday called on the military hierarchy to foster international cooperation in order to collectively address transnational challenges such as terrorism, climate change, and the proliferation of small arms and weapons.
Similarly, the House urged the federal government to engage relevant stakeholders in formulation of appropriate policies to motivate Nigerian graduates to remain and work in Nigeria after acquiring training and development.
The Chairman of the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Hon. Ahmad Satomi disclosed this during budget defence.
He said it was imperative that to acknowledge the unique challenges the nation faces in the realm of national security and intelligence.
The chairman noted that the world today was evolving at an unprecedented pace with emerging technologies, global interconnectedness, and complex geopolitical dynamics redefining the very nature of security.
Satomi stressed that in the rapidly changing landscape, the country must not only adapt but also transcend traditional approaches to safeguarding our nation.
The lawmaker noted that while the preservation of the physical security remains paramount, the country must broaden its understanding of national security to encompass the multifaceted dimensions that impact citizens’ lives.
“Today, the concept of security extends beyond borders and military might. It encompasses economic stability, cyber warfare, environmental resilience, social cohesion, and the protection of our democratic institutions.
“To truly address the challenges of the 21st century, we must adopt a holistic and inclusive approach. We must recognise that national security should not be pursued at the expense of civil liberties and human rights.
“Instead, we must strive to strike a delicate balance that preserves our core values while ensuring the safety and well-being of our people,” he said.
Satomi stressed that in this new era, the country must also embrace the power of technology as a force for good, adding that technological advancements have revolutionised the world, but that they have also introduced new vulnerabilities and threats.
According to him, It is our duty to harness these innovations to strengthen our intelligence capabilities, enhance our cybersecurity infrastructure, and promote responsible data governance.
The chairman said by investing in research and development, fostering public-private partnerships, and engaging with the brightest minds in the field, Nigeria can stay at the forefront of technological advancements and safeguard the nation’s interests.
He noted; “Furthermore, let us not forget the importance of international collaboration. In an interconnected world, no nation can stand alone against global threats. We must strengthen our alliances, deepen our partnerships, and engage in meaningful dialogue with other nations.
“By fostering cooperation and sharing best practices, we can collectively address transnational challenges such as terrorism, climate change, and the proliferation of small arms and weapons,” he added.
Meanwhile, the House has urged the federal government to engage relevant stakeholders in formulation of appropriate policies to motivate Nigerian graduates to remain and work in Nigeria after acquiring training and development.
This was sequel to the adoption of a motion on the: “Need to Introduce Policies and Programmes to Stem the Tide of Unsustainable Brain Drain from Nigeria moved by Hon. Ojuawo Adeniyi at plenary.
Adeniyi lamented the current spate of Nigerian professionals and graduates emigrating from Nigeria in droves in search of greener pastures, cognisant of the importance of retaining the best brains of highly trained personnel in-country.
He alerted that health, academic and tech sectors were mostly affected and that the continued emigration from Nigeria of her well trained, experienced and resourceful manpower will negatively impact the nation’s drive towards self sustainability.
“A survey conducted revealed that about 75 per cent of Nigerian doctors are considering work opportunities outside the country and according to data from the General Medical Council United Kingdom, between December 2021 and May 2022, a total of 727 Nigerian trained medical doctors relocated to the United Kingdom.
“Also a 2017 report by Quartz Africa indicated that the United States had more than 1,000 Nigerian professional academics working in its universities, which equals the number of doctorate holders employed in Nigerian universities,” he stated.
Adeniyi stated that there should be introduction of sustainable policies and programmes that will motivate Nigerian professionals to remain in, or return to Nigeria had become an urgent necessity. He noted that it was the surest path out of “this vicious circle of training, developing and losing” Nigerian citizens.
