The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has shed light on the financial challenges faced by the current administration, stating that President Bola Tinubu inherited an empty treasury upon assuming office.
Despite the constraints, Ribadu emphasized the government’s commitment to maintaining a robust and viable defence management and security apparatus in the country.
Speaking at the Chief of Defence Intelligence Annual Conference 2023 in Abuja on Monday, Ribadu acknowledged the financial difficulties and assured the nation that efforts were underway to address contemporary challenges despite budgetary limitations.
“I assure you that the federal government will not rest on its oars in ensuring a robust and viable defence management and security apparatus to address contemporary challenges even in the face of enormous budgetary constraints,” stated Ribadu.
He openly discussed the financial situation, saying, “we have inherited a very difficult situation, literally a bankrupt country, no money, to a point where we can say that all the money we’re getting now; we’re paying back what was taken. It is serious!”
Despite the challenging financial landscape, Ribadu commended the armed forces for their commitment to addressing security challenges, both within and outside Nigeria. He urged unity in supporting the armed forces and security agencies, highlighting positive changes and improvements achieved within a short period.
“We are just four or five months old, but certainly things have changed, and we believe that what they are doing, they are doing it right. We want to encourage them, stand by them, and support them 100 per cent, and hopefully, this country will be okay in a short time,” he expressed.
The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Maj Gen Emmanuel Undiandeye, emphasized the agency’s determination to utilize the capabilities of the defence attaché system for national security objectives.
The conference also delved into the importance of defence diplomacy in strategic engagement with allies and partners at bilateral and multilateral levels to ensure the nation’s security goals are met.
