Defence Minister hails Nigeria–Brazil strategic dialogue, pushes for stronger military ties
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, has applauded the outcomes of the recent Nigeria–Brazil Strategic Dialogue, describing it as a reaffirmation of both countries’ shared commitment to bolstering bilateral defence cooperation.
The high-level dialogue, which took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, brought together key stakeholders from both nations to explore deeper collaboration in security and defence-related matters.
In a statement signed by Mati Ali, Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Minister of Defence, Badaru outlined four key areas where Nigeria and Brazil are set to expand cooperation: maritime security, joint training and capacity building, defence industry development and technology transfer, as well as intelligence sharing.
“This engagement transcends diplomatic formality. It reaffirms our shared vision for peace, security, and sustainable development,” the Minister said during the session.
Citing the strategic importance of the Gulf of Guinea, Badaru called for intensified joint action to tackle piracy, illicit trafficking, and other transnational threats in the region.
He also acknowledged Brazil’s leadership in the Zone of Peace and Cooperation of the South Atlantic (ZOPACAS), reaffirming Nigeria’s readiness to actively participate in the forthcoming Ninth Ministerial Meeting scheduled to be held in Brazil.
On industrial collaboration, the Defence Minister urged Brazilian defence firms to partner with Nigeria’s Defence Industries Corporation (DICON), particularly in areas such as technology transfer, co-production, and direct foreign investment.
Badaru also underscored the need to deepen intelligence-sharing mechanisms between both nations, especially in combating drug trafficking and the financing of terrorism, two major security concerns that require multinational cooperation.
He commended the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of both countries for facilitating the dialogue and praised the leadership of Vice President Kashim Shettima of Nigeria and Vice President Geraldo Alckmin of Brazil for their strategic support in advancing bilateral defence ties.
Looking to the future, Badaru said, “The path forward is promising. Let us sustain this partnership with vision, purpose, and a shared commitment to regional stability.”
The dialogue marks a renewed phase of military diplomacy between Africa’s largest economy and Latin America’s largest nation, with both countries signaling readiness to transform shared security interests into actionable cooperation.
