West African nations review national security strategies

Ghana and Nigeria are undertaking significant reviews of their national security frameworks to address evolving regional and global threats.

In Ghana, the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) held stakeholder engagements in the Ahafo Region to inform the development of the 2026–2030 National Security Strategy. The consultations aim to assess the previous 2020–2024 framework and identify emerging risks. Officials noted that regional input is vital for addressing specific challenges related to mining, forestry, and agriculture to ensure national stability.

In Nigeria, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has inaugurated a 33-member committee to develop the National Security Strategy 2026. Chaired by retired Major General Sarkin Bello, the committee is tasked with creating a framework to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, cybercrime, and misinformation. National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu emphasized that the new strategy must reflect current realities and support national objectives regarding human security and economic transformation.