In a strong endorsement of Nigeria’s evolving security partnerships, NEHMAP and Col Useo applauded Nigeria’s security pact with US and France civil . The comments reflect broad acknowledgment of collaborative steps to tackle pressing security challenges across the country and the West African region.
At a news briefing in Akure, Ondo State, Dr. Lanre Rotimi, Director-General of the International Society for Poverty Elimination/New End Hunger, Malnutrition and Poverty (NEHMAP), welcomed the newly formed U.S.–Nigeria Working Group on Security, calling it timely and a right step toward addressing Nigeria’s multifaceted insecurity challenges beyond conventional approaches.
Dr. Rotimi noted that such international cooperation could usher in holistic and sustainable security solutions — especially for communities in the northern region — if integrated into a broader, inclusive national strategy.
Similarly, Colonel Stéphane Useo, the French Defence Attaché to Nigeria, reiterated France’s commitment to strengthening defence cooperation with the Nigerian Army. Speaking during a bilateral meeting with Nigeria’s military leadership, Useo described the existing and expanding defence relationship as mutually beneficial, enhancing professional standards and operational capabilities that support Nigeria’s efforts to respond to evolving security threats.
Why These Security Pacts Matter
The security pacts aligns with wider practical cooperation trends emerging among global partners concerned with Nigeria’s internal security landscape. Recent security pacts and collaborative frameworks with the United States — including frameworks for enhanced intelligence sharing, defence equipment support and joint coordination mechanisms — reflect an ongoing effort to reinforce Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, banditry and transnational crime.
France’s cooperation, on the other hand, emphasises professional military training, defence capacity building and strengthened strategic engagement between armed forces, reinforcing the idea that multilateral partnerships complement national efforts in countering threats and stabilising communities.
Voices of Support From Civil Society and Security Leaders
Dr. Rotimi stressed that the U.S.–Nigeria partnership should be part of a broader inclusive strategy that brings in community voices, civil society participation, and long-term planning, rather than short-term tactical interventions. This echoes calls from other societal leaders for sustainable oversight, community empowerment and civilian-focused security reforms.
Colonel Useo’s praise further emphasised France’s technical support and professional cooperation, which includes expanded training opportunities and strategic engagements designed to uplift operational effectiveness within the Nigerian Army and allied forces.
What This Means for Nigeria’s Security Agenda
NEHMAP and Col Useo spotlighting the security pact underscores that international security partnerships — backed by civil society acclaim and professional military support — can strengthen institutional capability, enhance community safety and catalyse deeper cross-border cooperation in defence and intelligence.
When aligned with comprehensive national strategies, these pacts are poised to reinforce Nigeria’s response to insecurity while building durable frameworks for peace and stability across the region.
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