NSA urges MDAs to establish desks to implement counter terrorism strategy

The National Security Adviser (NSA), retired Maj.-Gen Babagana Monguno has called on all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to establish desks to drive the National Counter Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST).

Mongonu, represented by an official in his office, Brig.-Gen. Emmanuel Ndagi, made the call on Wednesday, while declaring open a three-day workshop organised for the NACTEST Secure Pillar National Workshop Group.

The workshop was organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser in collaboration with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

The NSA said that the NACTEST document which was launched in 2016 by President Muhammadu Buhari, recognised MDAs, CSOs, NGOs and other critical stakeholders as its driving force.

“NACTEST is a call for action to all national and state MDAs including Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and all well-meaning Nigerians, to consciously take up their roles as outlined in the strategy.

“I therefore wish to call on all other MDAs to follow the example of NIMASA in not only setting up NACTEST desks and designating Desk Focal Point Officers, but should take practical steps toward implementation of the strategy consistent with their mandates,’’ he said.

Dr Dakuku Peterside, the Director-General of NIMASA, said every effort in the fight against terrorism no matter how insignificant it may appear was required for the overall success of the counter terrorism strategy.

Peterside said that besides economic challenges, the next hard challenge for the nation was security and terrorism.

“Therefore, all hands must be on deck and all stakeholders must be on the same page and be ready to contribute their fair share in ongoing efforts to ensure a safe, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.’’

He said that the national counter terrorism strategy implementation workshop designed to build capacity for MDAs was a step in the right direction.

“Let me emphasise the need for strong synergy and collaboration among security agencies in the war against terrorism and insecurity.

“All of our security apparatuses must be united and determined in the knowledge that government is committed to providing all the supports needed to guarantee victory.

“This is imperative and compelling in order to sustain the present successes that have been achieved in the fight against terrorism,’’ Peterside added. (NAN)