Responsibilities of the office
Advice to the President
Assesses security issues and supports presidential decision-making on threats and responses.
Coordination
Works across security and intelligence institutions so information and policy responses can be considered together.
International engagement
Represents Nigeria in assigned security discussions with foreign governments and partner institutions.
Counterterrorism cooperation
Supports coordination involving the National Counter Terrorism Centre and other responsible institutions.
Limits of the office
Security bodies remain subject to their governing laws. Investigations, prosecutions and court decisions have separate legal processes.
About Nuhu Ribadu
Nuhu Ribadu is the National Security Adviser to the President. His role centres on security advice and coordination across the institutions responsible for protecting the country.
Anti-corruption work
Ribadu was the pioneer chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. The commission’s own account records his tenure as 2003–2007, covering the agency’s early years of investigation and enforcement.
Appointment in the Presidency
In June 2023, the Presidency initially named Ribadu Special Adviser on Security. Later official statements that month identified him as National Security Adviser. These are distinct appointments, so the earlier special-adviser announcement should not be treated as the appointment instrument for his present office.
Security coordination and international cooperation
A State House account of his May 2026 visit to the United States describes engagements on security and counterterrorism cooperation. This illustrates the liaison aspect of the office: bringing together Nigerian security priorities and discussions with international partners.
Understanding the position
The adviser supports presidential decisions and inter-agency coordination. Individual security organisations retain their statutory responsibilities; the office is not a court and does not determine criminal guilt.
