The three West African countries have been under military
rule for the past few years.
Following the military takeovers, the three countries exited
the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and would go on to form
the Alliance of Sahel States in September 2023.
Speaking on Friday on Prime Time, an Arise Television
programme, Musa said leadership failure in the three countries will have a
direct impact on Nigeria.
“Like I said, we have issues of poverty in West Africa, a
lot of issues with governance, challenges with Niger Republic, Mali, and
Burkina Faso. They are taking a lot of heat, and that is because the areas are
large, there is a lot of poverty within those areas, climate change is one
major issue on ground, and lack of political will is causing these issues,”
Musa said.
“And those are the things trying to pour into Nigeria.
Whatever effort we are making, as long as these things are there, it is going
to be a challenge.
“The truth about it is that, especially for these three
countries, it is important that they get their leadership right, and then they
are able to do a lot. And, that is why for us in Nigeria, we have a lot to lose
if they do not get it right —they must have a democratic system that will be
able to assist them in taking decisions that will help the country.”
Musa said the federal government is making efforts to
strengthen border management between Nigeria and the three countries to avert
security threats.
Speaking on the latest global terrorism index, the CDS said
that although the report placed Nigeria in the sixth position, there has been
significant improvement in security in the country.
“And that is why the federal government is moving up, to
make sure that we have a very wonderful border management system because we
have to protect our borders,” he said.
“I will not speak for West Africa; I will speak for Nigeria.
In 2024, we had the least number of attacks within the country. Things are
really improving. Yes, we still have isolated issues. But, I can tell you the
troops are really putting in their best.
“If you move around the country, you would see that a lot of
things have improved; farmers are going back to their farms, there is a lot of
peace. Nigerians know that things are really improving; we need to join hands
together to do more.”