Insecurity: “When the people are willing, changes will occur” – Defence Minister Musa

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has acknowledged that the country is currently grappling with numerous challenges, urging citizens to play active roles in addressing the nation’s problems.

The minister made the remarks on Friday, June 12, 2026, while speaking at The Platform, a public policy and leadership event held as part of activities marking Democracy Day.

Addressing participants, Musa admitted that the country is passing through a difficult period characterised by various security, economic and social challenges that continue to affect millions of Nigerians.

“Nigeria is going through a trying period and I am sure we are all aware of that,” he said.

The Defence Minister disclosed that he initially reflected deeply on how to approach his presentation on national security because of the scale of the issues confronting the country.

“In fact, when I was invited and told to speak about security, I was wondering what I was going to say because I know that Nigeria is going through so much,” Musa stated.

Despite the challenges, the minister stressed that adversity is a reality every nation must confront and overcome. He argued that what ultimately determines a country’s progress is how its citizens respond to those difficulties.

According to him, Nigerians must recognise that government efforts alone are insufficient to resolve the country’s challenges without the active participation and commitment of the people.

“As Nigerians, it is important for us to understand that challenges will always come as long as you live. The important thing is what you do about those challenges,” he said.

Musa noted that one recurring theme from presentations delivered by other speakers at the event was the central role of citizens in driving meaningful change and national development.

He maintained that sustainable progress can only be achieved when citizens collectively embrace responsibility and become willing partners in the process of nation-building.

“I am very happy for all the speakers that have spoken. One thing that is striking is that everything revolves around the people. When the people are ready and willing to make changes, changes will occur. But when the people are not willing, nothing will happen,” he added.

The minister’s comments come amid growing public concern over insecurity, economic hardship, rising living costs and other governance challenges facing the country.

His remarks also echoed broader calls by public officials and stakeholders for greater citizen participation in strengthening democratic institutions, promoting accountability and supporting efforts aimed at improving security and national development.

Musa reaffirmed the importance of unity, resilience and collective responsibility, stressing that overcoming Nigeria’s current challenges will require cooperation between government institutions, security agencies and citizens across the country.