According to a report by Punch, Christopher Musa has called on state governors to ensure that increased federal allocations are effectively directed toward grassroots development, stressing that poverty, unemployment, and illiteracy remain key drivers of insecurity in Nigeria.
He made the appeal at the Nigerian People’s Strategic Conference and Defence Exhibition 2026 in Abuja, where he spoke about the link between socio-economic conditions and the country’s ongoing security challenges.
The Defence Minister emphasized that addressing insecurity requires more than federal intervention, noting that states now receive substantial monthly allocations that should translate into visible improvements in citizens’ living standards.
He urged governors to invest these resources in initiatives that create employment opportunities, reduce poverty, and improve access to education, arguing that such steps would help tackle the underlying causes of crime and unrest.
According to him, effective governance at all levels is essential in supporting security operations and ensuring sustainable peace across the country.
“The tendency is now to throw everything at the federal. And I can tell you, Mr President is doing so well because if you look at the amount of money being released monthly to the governors, it is important for us to be able to make sure that these things get down to the people so that we can stop issues of poverty and illiteracy,” Musa said.
He further maintained that long-term stability depends on combining security strategies with consistent socio-economic development efforts aimed at improving the welfare of citizens nationwide.