The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru, have called for a collective action to address Nigeria’s socio-economic and security challenges.

They made the call on Saturday at the Alumni Association of the National Institute 45th Annual General Meeting in Jos, Plateau State.

The minister, who chaired the event, highlighted the military’s progress in countering terrorist attacks.

He, however, described security as a shared responsibility among the government, civil society, traditional leaders, and the private sector.

“We have dismantled major terrorist and bandit networks, neutralised hundreds of operatives, including their top leaders, and are witnessing a gradual return of internally displaced persons to their communities.

“But the task of securing our nation cannot rest solely on the Armed Forces. It is a shared responsibility,” he said.

The Sultan expressed frustration over Nigeria’s stagnation despite having high-calibre professionals trained at NIPSS.

“Why is Nigeria not really moving forward despite having this calibre of people?” he asked.

The monarch stressed the need for the government and leaders to take NIPSS recommendations seriously.

“We must ask ourselves: Why are these reports not implemented? Unless the government and leaders take NIPSS seriously, our problems will persist,” he said.

The Executive Director of Development Specs Academy, Prof Okey Ikechukwu, in his keynote address, attributed Nigeria’s leadership crisis to a breakdown in national values and identity.

“Our greatest national resource is not oil or minerals—it is the Nigerian citizen.

“But have we truly raised citizens, or merely produced people?

“Until we invest in values, discipline, and leadership grounded in the public interest, we will keep lamenting,” he stated.

Prof Ikechukwu said Nigeria’s problems were a result of poor implementation of policies and neglect of human development.

He called for a national civic values programme, greater youth engagement through ministry collaboration, and increased citizen oversight in governance.

“We need to restore trust between the state and citizens and revive moral leadership from the grassroots up.

“If we want a reborn nation, we must reinvent the values and integrity of the Nigerian state,” he said.

Earlier, the AANI President, Amb Emmanuel Okafor, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to providing strategic leadership, despite the economic constraints affecting member participation.

“AANI, as a reservoir of expertise and patriotism, must continue to offer innovative policy solutions to Nigeria’s pressing issues. Our motto — Towards a Better Society — is not just a slogan; it is a national call to service,” he said.

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Samuel Jatau, commended NIPSS and AANI for their contributions to national development.

“Plateau is proud to host NIPSS. We believe AANI must take the lead in rebuilding trust and unity. The two greatest challenges Nigeria faces today are ethnicity and religion—and the deep distrust that flows from both,” he said.

The AGM concluded with a unified call for inclusive leadership, patriotic citizenship, and value-driven governance as vital pillars for Nigeria’s rebirth and progress.