Nigeria, Brazil deepen defence cooperation to boost security, technology transfer
Nigeria and Brazil have taken significant steps to strengthen their defence ties, with both countries committing to deeper collaboration in defence technology, maritime security, and industrial partnerships.
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, met with his Brazilian counterpart, Mr. José Múcio Monteiro Filho, in Brasília on Monday on the sidelines of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to Brazil.
The meeting also had in attendance General Renato Rodrigues de Aguiar Freire, Chief of the Joint Staff of the Brazilian Armed Forces.
At the talks, both sides reviewed the implementation of the Nigeria-Brazil Defence Agreement signed in June 2025, with a focus on expanding cooperation across defence industries, advancing technology transfer, and enhancing joint security efforts in the Gulf of Guinea.
Minister Abubakar emphasised Nigeria’s resolve to translate the defence pact into practical gains. He described the agreement as a “strategic instrument” for driving local defence production and positioning Nigeria as Africa’s defence-industrial hub.
“Nigeria is determined to build a resilient defence industry that reduces dependence on imports and positions our country as the defence-industrial hub in Africa,”
“Brazil’s experience and technological depth make it a trusted partner, but our priority is to move from agreements to action, with clear timelines and measurable results that benefit both nations”, he said.
He stressed that greater collaboration in maritime awareness, joint military exercises, and interoperability would be vital in safeguarding critical sea routes and boosting the blue economy of both nations.
The Minister also commended Brazil’s role in securing the Gulf of Guinea, describing the maritime corridor as central to Nigeria’s economic survival.
He further acknowledged Brazil’s constructive contributions to the South Atlantic Peace and Cooperation Zone (ZOPACAS), a framework that promotes peace, security, and cooperation among countries bordering the South Atlantic.
Both ministers agreed to establish a structured defence dialogue framework that will ensure continuity, accountability, and measurable outcomes in their engagements.
Abubakar noted that the partnership aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises national security, counterterrorism, and self-reliance as cornerstones of Nigeria’s development strategy.
The engagement, the Ministry said, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to building a forward-looking defence relationship with Brazil, reinforcing bilateral ties and strengthening Nigeria’s leadership role in regional and transatlantic security cooperation.
