Civil Service Key To National Security, Says SGF
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has highlighted the crucial role of the Federal Civil Service in enhancing national security, emphasizing its contributions in the development and enforcement of regulations as well as the maintenance of confidentiality regarding sensitive information.
Akume made this assertion on Thursday while delivering a lecture at the National Defence College Course 33 training program in Abuja. The theme of the lecture was: “Strengthening Institutions for National Security and Development in Nigeria: Appraisal of the Civil Service.”
According to Akume, the civil service has played a pivotal role in advancing national security through its regulatory functions and its key involvement in ensuring the security of classified documents, a responsibility that bolsters national defense and policy enforcement.
“The civil service has contributed immensely by developing and enforcing regulations on national security, while also safeguarding the confidentiality of sensitive documents critical to the country’s stability,” Akume said, underscoring the often-overlooked but significant role the civil service plays in securing the nation.
In addition, Akume highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of the nation’s veterans. He disclosed that, as part of his Renewed Hope Agenda, President Tinubu had recently released N500 million to support the Nigerian Legion, aimed at improving the welfare of former military personnel who have served the country with distinction.
The SGF also lauded the patriotism and professionalism of Nigeria’s military forces, emphasizing their crucial role in safeguarding the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and maintaining peace within the country.
Akume noted that since the assumption of President Tinubu’s administration, the security situation in Nigeria has seen significant improvements, in line with the goals set out in the Renewed Hope Agenda. He stressed that the government’s efforts in security, though ongoing, were already yielding positive results.
In his address, Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Olotu, Commandant of the National Defence College, affirmed that President Tinubu had unveiled transformative policies designed to strengthen Nigeria’s institutions and enhance their capacity to effectively perform their statutory duties.
He called on Nigerians to remain patient and supportive of the government’s initiatives, explaining that while some policies may not yield immediate results, they are designed for long-term benefits that will improve the lives of all citizens.
The lecture and the discussions surrounding it underscored the critical relationship between the civil service and national security, urging continued collaboration and a commitment to institutional strengthening in the pursuit of a secure and prosperous Nigeria.
