Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro advocates reforms in military

The Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, has stressed the need for a national retreat aimed at transforming the Nigerian military and retooling its capacity to deal with modern day security challenges.

The minister made the call while delivering the closing remarks at the 58thNigerian Navy Week Conference with the theme: ‘Combating Crude Oil Theft in Nigeria’s Maritime Domain: An imperative for Improved National Earnings’.

In a statement, the minister expressed determination to assist in midwifing a process that will help develop creative strategies for alternative sources of funding for the military, especially the Nigerian Navy in its fight against crude oil theft in Nigeria.

“Be rest assured that I will take your message to President Goodluck Jonathan and equally advance the need for us to have a presidential retreat for the Nigerian military where key stakeholders from the National Assembly, the Minister for Defence, myself, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, other members of the executive and the private sector will sit down to develop a transformational roadmap for the Nigerian military,” the statement added.

He also reiterated the commitment and support of President Jonathan to the Nigerian armed forces, noting that the president “is very passionate and committed about supporting the Nigerian military.” 

Obanikoro, who also called for the engagement of retired service chiefs in security matters in view of security challenges facing the nation, noted that there was the need for incumbent service chiefs in the armed forces to incorporate former service chiefs’ during discussions on critical issues that border on the security of the nation.

He added that with their experience, the former service chiefs would positively contribute to checkmating and reducing crime in the country especially on the waters ways.