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(NAN) The Federal Government on Thursday said it had put in place the needed structures for the full implementation of the National Counter Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST).
The National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, said this in Lagos at the opening of a two-day stakeholders’ workshop on the implementation of NACTEST.
Mr. Monguno was represented by the Head of Counter Terrorism, Steve Agbana.
The Federal Government reviewed NACTEST recently to ensure a holistic approach to counter terrorism in the country.
Mr. Monguno said that a NACTEST desk comprising officials of state and local governments as well as Civil Society Organisations and community leaders from Lagos, Ogun and Oyo States would be inaugurated.
He said that the establishment of the desk, which is in line with the reviewed NACTEST document would ensure quick and effective response to counter terrorism.
The national security adviser said that the workshop was aimed at educating participants on their roles in the security of not just their immediate environment, but also that of the nation at large.
“The NACTEST is a call for action to all Ministries, Departments and Agencies, including Non-Governmental Organisations and all well-meaning Nigerians to consciously take up their roles as outlined in the strategy.
“We expect stakeholders to contribute by undertaking programmes and projects that are especially counter-terrorism specific and counter-terrorism relevant,
“To be steps ahead of the terrorists, all types of national power and authority must be activated,” Mr. Monguno said.
In his address, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State described the workshop as crucial, given the unconventional nature of terrorism.
The governor promised to continue to extend the needed logistic support to all security agencies in the state.
He advised that the workshop should be held periodically.
The governor appealed to the participants, especially security agencies, to always collaborate to enable the nation win the war against terrorism and insecurity.
Mr. Ambode was also represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Tunji Bello.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that participants at the workshop include security agencies and NGOs, among others drawn from Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states.
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