South-East Security Key to Nigeria’s Unity, Growth – Information Minister

The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has declared that achieving lasting peace and security in the South-East is essential to Nigeria’s unity, economic growth and national development.

Speaking on Thursday at the 2026 South-East Regional Security Summit held in Umuahia, Abia State, the Minister said a secure South-East would strengthen the nation’s democracy and unlock greater opportunities for development.

“When the South-East is secure, Nigeria is stronger. When every region enjoys peace, our democracy flourishes. And when we stand together as one people, united by a common destiny, no force can diminish the promise of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Idris said.

Addressing participants on the theme, “Collaborative Approaches to Strengthening Security and Regional Stability,” the Minister stressed that tackling insecurity requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach involving governments, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and citizens.

He reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to protecting lives and property through enhanced intelligence sharing, stronger inter-agency collaboration, improved security equipment and international partnerships. He added that investments in infrastructure, youth empowerment, education, digital skills development and support for small businesses remain integral parts of the Federal Government’s broader security strategy.

Idris also urged Nigerians to reject misinformation and support ongoing constitutional reforms aimed at strengthening grassroots policing through the creation of State Police.

Representing the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, assured that the National Assembly would continue to provide the legislative backing needed to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and promote lasting peace.

Also speaking, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, called for stronger regional cooperation and institutional reforms, stressing that security cannot be achieved through force alone but through collaboration, community trust and collective responsibility.

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, described security as the foundation of development and prosperity, noting that no meaningful progress can be achieved in an atmosphere of fear and insecurity. He advocated greater economic opportunities for young people, improved intelligence sharing and deliberate efforts to address the root causes of crime.

The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property through sustained investments in the Armed Forces and other security agencies, while emphasising that security remains a shared responsibility requiring the active participation of government, communities and citizens.

The summit attracted governors’ representatives from across the South-East, lawmakers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, heads of security agencies, civil society organisations and other key stakeholders committed to strengthening regional security and stability.