The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, says the current financial distress being faced in the country was because the present administration inherited an empty treasury when it came to power a few months ago.
Ribadu made this disclosure at the Chief of Defence Intelligence Annual Conference 2023 themed: “Leveraging Defence Diplomacy and Effective Regional Collaboration for Enhanced National Security”.
He said, “Yes, we’re facing budgetary constraints. It is okay for me to tell you. Fine, it is important for you to know that we have inherited a very difficult situation, literally a bankrupt country, no money, to a point where we can say that all the money we’re getting now; we’re paying back what was taken. It is serious!”
He, however, assured that the federal government would do everything within its power to ensure that there is a robust and viable defence management and apparatus in the country despite the financial constraints that have affected budgetary allocations.
The NSA also stated that the armed forces under the current leadership have shown serious commitment to addressing the prevailing security challenges bedevilling the country, adding that there were positive changes and improvements both in and outside Nigeria.
He, therefore, called for support from all Nigerians for the armed forces and other security agencies in their effort to secure the country.
The conference was attended by Minister of Defence Abubakar Badaru, Minister of State, Bello Matawalle; Permanent Secretary in the Defence Ministry, Ibrahim Kana, the Chief of Defence Staff and other service chiefs.
