President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, on Monday launched the National Counter-Terrorism Centre’s (NCTC) Strategic Plan 2025–2030, calling it a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s efforts to bolster national security.
Akpabio noted that the plan comes at an opportune time, aligning with the government’s commitment to combat terrorism and foster a resilient and peaceful nation.
The unveiling ceremony in Abuja brought together senior government officials, security leaders, diplomats, private-sector representatives, and development partners.
The Senate president said the five-year blueprint demonstrates Nigeria’s determination to modernize its security framework and safeguard citizens from emerging threats.
He highlighted that insecurity has hindered national development, disrupted education, discouraged investment, and destabilized communities.
He added that “this strategy provides a disciplined framework to transform institutions, integrate advanced technology, improve intelligence coordination and foster stronger collaboration across government and society.”
Akpabio emphasized the need for continuous investment in technology, training, and personnel.
He identified three core pillars of the plan: enhancing national resilience through early warning systems and community intelligence, adopting modern technologies such as drones and cybersecurity platforms, and strengthening regional and international cooperation to tackle transnational threats.
The Senate president also underscored the role of private-sector partnerships in funding security initiatives and supporting terrorism victims.
He assured that the National Assembly would maintain transparency and accountability in such partnerships and closely monitor their execution.
He explained that “the Strategic Plan is a national promise that Nigeria will not yield to fear or insecurity.
“Citizens, traditional rulers, civil society, youth groups, the private sector and international allies must unite to safeguard the nation.”
National Security Adviser (NSA) Malam Nuhu Ribadu, represented by NCTC National Coordinator Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, said the plan offers a coordinated, research-driven roadmap informed by more than twenty years of counter-insurgency experience.
He highlighted social factors driving violent extremism, including unemployment, drug abuse, and limited opportunities.
Programs like “Seeds of Hope”, which help rehabilitate terrorism victims through agriculture and livelihoods, aim to strengthen intelligence, operations, legal frameworks, judicial processes, strategic communication, and national resilience, positioning Nigeria as a regional leader in counter-terrorism.
The African Union Commission (AUC) representative, Dr. Usman Hussain, praised Nigeria’s counter-terrorism leadership and the transformation of the NCTC into a regional centre of excellence.
He announced upcoming AU technical missions and peer-review activities to further enhance Nigeria’s counter-terrorism capabilities.
Development partners, diplomats, security chiefs, private-sector leaders, and NGOs pledged their support, emphasizing the initiative’s importance for national stability and economic growth.
The event concluded with the formal launch of the Strategic Plan 2025–2030, marking a fresh chapter in Nigeria’s coordinated fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
