Akume, Melaye, Musa Lead National Conversation on Security as Unity Project Nigeria Convenes Summit in Abuja
Prominent political leaders, security stakeholders, policymakers, and civil society actors converged in Abuja for the National Security Summit and Awards 2026, where they called for stronger collaboration in addressing Nigeria's security challenges and fostering national unity.
The summit, organised by The Unity Project Nigeria (TUPN) in conjunction with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), served as a platform for robust discussions on sustainable peace, national security, and the collective responsibility of citizens and institutions in safeguarding the country.
Participants expressed optimism that sustained dialogue, stakeholder engagement, and collaborative action would continue to shape national conversations on peacebuilding, unity, and security.
Speaking at the summit, former Kogi West Senator, Senator Dino Melaye, urged the Federal Government to accord greater priority to the nation's security challenges.
He argued that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has not met his constitutional responsibility to guarantee the security and welfare of Nigerians, alleging that insecurity had reached alarming proportions.
According to Melaye, kidnapping has evolved into what he described as a "national industry," warning that no Nigerian feels completely safe.
Chairman of the occasion and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, maintained that the current administration remains committed to tackling insecurity and protecting the lives and property of Nigerians.
He highlighted ongoing government efforts aimed at strengthening security operations and restoring peace in affected communities.
Delivering the keynote address, former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani stressed that Nigeria's development rests in the hands of its citizens, urging young Nigerians to remain committed to building the country rather than seeking opportunities abroad.
Earlier, the Founder and Convener of The Unity Project Nigeria, Jennifer Serrano, said the summit reinforced the organisation's belief that peace and security cannot be achieved by government alone.
She emphasised that sustainable security requires the collective commitment of citizens, government institutions, security agencies, community leaders, and civil society organisations working together in pursuit of the national interest.
The event attracted an array of distinguished personalities, including the Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi; Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Hon. Babajimi Benson, represented at the event; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; representatives of the Minister of Defence, the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Department of State Services (DSS), the Minister of Finance, and other senior government officials and security stakeholders.
As part of the summit, awards were presented to individuals in recognition of their contributions to national development and security.
Senator Yahaya Abdullahi received the Legislative Excellence Award, while Senator George Akume was honoured with the Award of Excellence in Service and decorated as the Grand Patron of The Unity Project Nigeria.
The summit also featured strategic panel discussions, stakeholder engagements, and policy conversations focused on strengthening national cohesion, enhancing security governance, promoting youth participation, and encouraging inter-agency collaboration.
Organisers noted that through initiatives such as the National Security Summit and Awards, The Unity Project Nigeria remains committed to providing a credible platform for dialogue, policy reflection, and stakeholder engagement aimed at promoting a peaceful, united, and secure Nigeria.
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