Writing By Usman Sani; Editing By Godwin Duru
The Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar has underscored Nigeria’s commitment to the full implementation of the Nigeria-Brazil Defence agreement signed in June this year.
In a statement, the Minister made the commitment during a high-level bilateral meeting with his Brazilian counterpart, Mr José Múcio Monteiro Filho in Brasília, on the sidelines of President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to Brazil.
Alhaji Muhammad Badaru Abubakar described the agreement as a strategic instrument for expanding collaboration, deepening technology transfer and building industrial partnerships.
He stressed that effective implementation was essential for both nations to maximise the value of the partnership, particularly in developing Nigeria’s local defence production capacity.
The Minister also emphasized that closer collaboration on maritime awareness, joint exercises and interoperability would help both countries protect vital sea routes and grow their blue economies.
“Nigeria is determined to build a resilient defence industry that reduces dependence on imports and position 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”
Alhaji Badaru Abubakar also commended Brazil’s support in securing the Gulf of Guinea, and acknowledged its constructive role in advancing the objectives of the South Atlantic Peace and Cooperation Zone(ZOPACAS).
He noted that sustained cooperation in maritime security, counter-terrorism and defence-industrial innovation aligns with President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda, which places national security and self-reliance at the core of Nigeria’s development strategy.
According to the statement, both Ministers agreed to establish a structured defence dialogue framework to ensure continuity, accountability and tangible outcomes.
PR/Usman Sani
