President Muhammadu Buhari has painted a gloomy picture of the security challenges facing Nigeria, saying no nation can unilaterally contain insecurity in their domain.
He has, therefore, canvassed for more collaborative efforts among nations with a view to addressing problems of terrorism, banditry and insurgency across the globe.
Speaking Tuesday at the Council Chambers, State House, Abuja, while receiving Letters of Credence of Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador James Kingston Christoff and Ambassador of Mexico to Nigeria, Juan Alfred Miranda Oritz, President Buhari declared: "I believe that matters of security have become the business of all nations as these challenges go beyond the abilities of any single country to effectively contain."
He commended the collective efforts of nations towards tackling security challenges across the globe, and within Nigeria, urging more collaboration to check terrorism, banditry and insurgency.
His words: "The world must, therefore, work closely together and Nigeria counts on your support in cementing the relations between our countries at both bilateral and multilateral levels to surmount these global threats to civilization."
The president told the diplomats that successes in taming insecurity had been recorded through collaboration across borders, adding that more could be achieved.
"The devastating effect of global insecurity, climate change and the post COVID-19 era has devastated global economies. Nations continue to struggle to recover from these multiple global challenges.
"The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has undermined the progress countries have achieved in tackling food security in the last decade. While, the political instability in Libya continues to fuel terrorism in the Sahel, as well as scuttle democratic sustenance in both West and Central African regions.
"Nigeria is not left out of the equation, as we are fighting to rid our country of banditry, kidnapping, herder/farmer crisis and insurgency. We are, however, making meaningful progress with the support of friendly countries like yours to sustain these fights until we overcome these challenges," he said.
At the regional level, President Buhari said Nigeria had been working with other member-states of ECOWAS and other regional blocs to deal with the problems of terrorism, trans-border crimes, maritime crimes, such as piracy and illegal fishing on our waters, illicit drug and human trafficking, banditry, as well as unconstitutional changes of government.
He urged diplomats to monitor political developments in the country, leading to the 2023 elections, but remain true to their professional ethics of non-interference.
President Buhari noted that Nigeria was drawing closer to its national elections and candidates representing their parties at different levels were beginning to build consensus within their respective parties in preparations to the launching of campaigns across the country soon.
"As the drums of campaign begin to rise, I urge you to be guided by diplomatic practice to ensure that your activities remain within the limits of your profession as you monitor the build-up to the elections and the conduct of the general election," he said.
The president also advised the diplomats to focus on building on the successes of their predecessors.
"The task before you require you both to build on the successes of your predecessors and further make efforts in the expansion and advancement of the cordial bilateral relations and cooperation between Nigeria and your respective countries. These relations as you all know, span across political, socio-economic and cultural spheres, that have overtime benefitted our peoples.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
"I am confident that in carrying out your diplomatic responsibilities in the course of your tour of duties, you will spare time to appreciate the uniqueness and strength in our country's cultural diversities, in terms of both human and natural resources, as well as the flora and fauna across the country," the president noted.
He said the cultural diversity of Nigeria "represents our pride as a nation and identity as a people", while urging the diplomats to also build friendship and acquaintances in the course of their stay in the country.
In his remarks, on behalf of the ambassadors, the Canadian High Commissioner thanked the president for accepting their Letters of Credence.
According to Christoff, "Today marks formal beginning of our engagement with the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We will work closely with ministers and officials to start a progressive relationship."
