Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has welcomed a recent strategic dialogue with Brazil, highlighting the commitment of both nations to strengthen their bilateral defence cooperation. The discussions took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
During the high-level meeting, Minister Badaru outlined four key areas for increased collaboration: maritime security, joint training and capacity building, defence industry and technology transfer, and intelligence sharing. He stated that the engagement demonstrated a shared commitment to peace, security, and sustainable development.
Emphasising the strategic importance of the Gulf of Guinea, Mr Badaru called for enhanced joint efforts to combat piracy, trafficking, and other maritime threats. He also acknowledged Brazil’s leading role within the Zone of Peace and Cooperation of the South Atlantic (ZOPACAS) and reaffirmed Nigeria’s intention to actively participate in an upcoming ministerial meeting in Brazil.
Regarding industrial cooperation, Minister Badaru invited Brazil to explore opportunities with Nigeria’s Defence Industries Corporation (DICON), particularly in areas such as technology transfer, joint production, and direct investment.
Furthermore, he stressed the importance of expanding intelligence sharing, especially in the fight against drug trafficking and the financing of terrorism.
The Minister expressed his appreciation to the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of both countries and commended the leadership of Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima and Brazil’s Vice President Geraldo Alckmin for their roles in advancing this initiative.
Looking ahead, Mr Badaru expressed optimism about the partnership, underscoring the need for continued vision and shared commitment to regional stability
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