Defence Minister commends Namibian Command College, reaffirms Nigeria’s support for African unity
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has commended the Namibian Command and Staff College for its role in advancing defence and educational cooperation across Africa, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to deeper military partnerships on the continent.
The Minister made the commendation on Tuesday, September 16, when he received a 26-member delegation from the Namibian Command and Staff College (Course 05/2025), led by its Commandant, Brigadier Benhard Erastus, during a study tour of Nigeria.
The visit took place at the Ministry of Defence headquarters, Ship House, Abuja.
Represented by the Director of the Joint Service Department, Mrs. Bosede Olaniyi, Badaru highlighted Nigeria’s readiness to share experiences, foster mutual understanding, and strengthen defence ties with Namibia and other African nations in pursuit of peace and security.
He recalled Nigeria’s historical support for African liberation struggles and stressed that the country remains committed to collaborative efforts that enhance continental stability.
The Minister also underscored the importance of African unity in the face of external threats, warning against forces seeking to divide the continent. “Togetherness is essential if Africa is to safeguard its sovereignty and achieve sustainable peace,” he noted.
In his response, Brigadier Erastus expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government and the Ministry of Defence for the warm reception and the opportunity to gain insights into Nigeria’s defence policy, civil-military relations, and regional security operations.
He explained that Nigeria was chosen for the study visit due to its leadership role in regional security and its rich experience in defence and security studies, which he described as vital for sustainable development in Namibia.
As part of the visit, the delegation attended a presentation on the Ministry of Defence’s organisational structure delivered by the Joint Service Department, followed by an interactive session on regional security cooperation.
To mark the occasion, the Namibian delegation presented a plaque of honour to the Ministry, received on its behalf by Mrs. Olaniyi.
The visit, officials said, reflects the growing commitment of African nations to strengthening military cooperation, enhancing knowledge exchange, and promoting unity in addressing shared security challenges.
