The South-South Development Commission (SSDC) is partnering with the Nigerian military to tackle regional security challenges and fast-track development. This comes after the SSDC’s Managing Director, Ms. Usoro Akpabio, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, on Wednesday in Abuja.
The SSDC team, including Board Member Dr. Charles Sylvester Enukhowate and two Executive Directors, Hon. Joseph and Hon. Marcus Nle Ejii, presented a comprehensive plan to strengthen collaboration with the Armed Forces. The plan focuses on combating key threats such as militancy, pipeline vandalism, illegal mining, and community violence. The delegation also proposed joint frameworks for intelligence sharing, rapid response, and capacity building to ensure sustainable peace.
In his response, General Musa expressed the military’s full support for the SSDC. He pledged to protect critical national infrastructure and backed the call for joint initiatives in community engagement. He also suggested revitalizing jetties and waterways as an alternative to road and air transport. General Musa praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the commission, noting its importance for regional stability and growth.
This high-level meeting is expected to open a new chapter of strategic collaboration between the SSDC and the Nigerian Armed Forces, aimed at creating a more peaceful and economically viable South-South region.
