Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) Weekly Subject Experts’ Presentation was held at Hall C, TY Buratai Block, Abuja. There were three presentations made by the Subject Experts on Eastern Europe, Middle East/North Africa and Turkey, East and Central Africa.
The first presentation was made by Brig Gen Ak Egwuagu (Rtd) subject experts on Eastern Europe. His presentation discussed on how, America Says there are Extraordinary Economic Opportunities in Russia. A melt-down in the ice-cold US-Russia relations is paving the way for American companies to do what until recently, seemed unthinkable; which is to return to the country three years after they left in droves (CNN Business, Mar 1, 2025). On Monday 24 Feb 2025, US President Donald Trump said he was trying to do some economic development deals with Moscow and following watershed talks with Russian officials towards the end of February 2025, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, extolled the economic and geo-political extraordinary opportunities which the US and Russia could both seize once the war in Ukraine was over. However, the scale of corporate exodus from Russia after it invaded Ukraine in 2022 could make the project harder, with few American companies left in the country to strike any deal. According to a list compiled by the Yale School of Management, more than 1,000 global companies either voluntarily exited or curtailed operations in Russia since the beginning of the Ukraine war in 2022.
In his analysis and lessons for Nigeria, Brig Gen Ak Egwuagu (Rtd) noted that, Nigeria’s National Defence Policy also released in 2014, is a critical document outlining the country’s defence strategy and objectives designed to ensure the nation’s security and territorial integrity against various security challenges. The policy emphasized on the importance of cooperation and coordination among various stakeholders including the military, government agencies and civilians and was reviewed in 2021 with the aim of addressing contemporary security challenges but has not recorded much success. With all these efforts put in place to defeat the security challenges, the fighting troops have continued to be haunted by injuries, physical, emotional and psychological trauma, amidst the humanitarian crisis on the part of the civilian populace. The MOD, CDS, Svc Chiefs, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Interior need to ensure better treatment for injured persons and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) management for soldiers and civilians that have lived in violence prone areas for more than six months, to reduce any long-term effect on them. It is also imperative for a continuous review of the National Security Strategy and National Defence Policy to holistically address the worsening security situation in the country. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment could also encourage foreign companies to sustain their operations in the country by enhancing their security arrangement and economic incentives.
He recommended t that, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment should reach out to foreign companies that have left Nigeria to find out their concerns and requirements for returning.
Equally, the second presentation was made by Brig Gen S Musa subject experts on Middle East/North Africa and Turkey. His presentation discussed on Lebanese Airport Security Clashes with Iranian VIPs; Gates shut down amid Diplomatic Standoffs. According to Torizone News of 27 Jan 25, “A significant diplomatic incident unfolded at Beirut’s airport when the Lebanese army’s head of security directed his officers to search a security team accompanying Ali Larijani, a senior adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The Iranian team refused to comply with the search, citing diplomatic immunity. This refusal prompted the airport security chief to shut down all gates surrounding the VIP lounge where the Iranians were located, effectively preventing them from leaving the airport. The incident highlights a growing rift between Lebanon and Iran, amid increasing frustration in Lebanon regarding Iran’s perceived interference in its internal affairs. This sentiment has been exacerbated by Tehran’s ongoing support for Hezbollah, a powerful political and military entity in Lebanon that has been involved in numerous conflicts with Israel and has significant influence over Lebanese politics. The Lebanese government has previously expressed concerns about Iran’s role in Lebanon, particularly regarding Hezbollah’s military capabilities and its impact on national sovereignty. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati has been vocal about these issues, recently accusing Iran of “blatant interference” in Lebanese affairs.
In his analysis and lessons for Nigeria, Brig Gen S Musa noted that, In Nigeria, there have been concerns about the overall security situation at the Nigerian airports, with some passengers expressing dissatisfaction with the security protocols in place. In 2022 for example, despite significant investments in security infrastructure and personnel training, several security breaches were recorded at Nigerian airports. Specifically, Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, has experienced several security breaches, including insider threats, corruption among employees, extortion of passengers, insider involvement in trafficking operations, unauthorised airside access, stowaway incidents and theft of baggage (Abdullahi AZ, 2022). Other issues reported include, inadequate security equipment, faulty equipment, screening machines and CCTV cameras, inadequate access control measures, allowing unauthorized individuals to access restricted areas. There is also low security consciousness among personnel and passengers, increasing the risk of security breaches.
To address these concerns, the NCAA has established a Directorate of Aviation Security to regulate aviation security activities and ensure compliance with international standards. Yet, there are still security concerns in most of Nigerian Airports that need to be look into. It is in this vein that the reported clash between Lebanese airport security and Iranian VIPs could offer valuable lessons for Nigeria. The incident could serve as a reawakening or a wakeup call for Nigeria to continue to strengthen or enhance security measures at its various airports.
He recommended t that, The Federal Ministry of Aviation should consistently review or enhance airport security protocols in order to effectively enforce robust security protocols for individuals or items entering or exiting Nigerian airports.
Lastly, the third presentation was made by Brig Gen ED Idimah subject experts on East and Central Africa. His presentation Centered on how, Alarm Raised over Surge in Mental Illnesses. On Friday 28, February 2025, the Nation’s Newspaper, Kenya reported that recent statistics from Kenya’s Ministry of Health’s District Health Information System revealed a concerning rise in mental health issues across various counties over the past three years. The data indicates that between 2022 and 2023, reported cases of mental disorders increased from 171,845 to 184,292. Dr. Sarah Bahati, a consultant psychiatrist at Nyahururu Level Four Hospital, attributes the rise in mental health issues to various stressors, including economic hardships and social pressures. She emphasizes that in any group of four people, at least one is likely to suffer from a mental health condition, with one in every eight outpatients in hospitals dealing with stress, depression, or related disorders. Experts, including Samuel Murage, vice director at St Martin’s Mental Health Facility, highlight the inadequacies in current data, as many cases go untreated outside of healthcare facilities. Murage notes a direct correlation between mental illness and incidents of violence, including murder and suicide. He stresses that the full implementation of the 2019 Mental Health Taskforce report is crucial to addressing this growing crisis.
In his analysis and lessons for Nigeria, Brig Gen ED Idimah noted that, Mental illness has emerged as a critical public health concern globally, with developing countries facing unique challenges due to limited resources and cultural stigmas. In Nigeria, a country with a rich diversity of cultures and languages, mental health issues have surged alarmingly, affecting millions and leading to significant social and economic burdens. According to various studies, the prevalence of mental health disorders in Nigeria may range from 10% to 20%, with anxiety and mood disorders being the most common (Makanjuola et al., 2019; Jorm, 2021). Recent surveys indicate that mental health disorders have become increasingly prevalent in Nigeria. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that approximately 29 million Nigerians suffer from mental health disorders (WHO, 2019). Recent surveys indicate that mental health disorders have become increasingly prevalent in Nigeria. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that approximately 29 million Nigerians suffer from mental health disorders (WHO, 2019).
He recommended that, The FGN through the Federal Ministry of Health should increase investment in mental health infrastructure including training for Healthcare professionals and community based mental health services.
