NIGERIA, BRAZIL STRENGTHEN BILATERAL DEFENCE COOPERATION

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has engaged his Brazilian counterpart, José Múcio Monteiro Filho, to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation between Nigeria and Brazil. The meeting took place on August 25, 2025, in Brasília, on the sidelines of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to Brazil.

PA Media & Publicity to the Hon. Minister, Mati Ali, in a statement, revealed that the meeting focused on strengthening defence relations, advancing defence-industrial cooperation, and enhancing maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, among other defence-related issues. Ali quoted Abubakar as saying, “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.”

Abubakar described the Nigeria-Brazil Defence Agreement signed on June 24, 2025, as a strategic instrument for expanding collaboration, deepening technology transfer, and building industrial partnerships. He stressed that effective implementation is essential for both nations to maximize the value of the partnership, particularly in developing Nigeria’s local defence production capacity.

Abubakar also underscored the importance of closer collaboration on maritime awareness, joint exercises, and interoperability to protect vital sea routes and grow their blue economies. “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 added.

Both ministers agreed to establish a structured defence dialogue framework to ensure continuity, accountability, and tangible outcomes. The engagement reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to a forward-looking partnership with Brazil, reinforcing bilateral ties and Nigeria’s leadership in regional and transatlantic security cooperation. Ali further quoted Abubakar as commending Brazil’s support in securing the Gulf of Guinea and acknowledging its constructive role in advancing the objectives of the South Atlantic Peace and Cooperation Zone (ZOPACAS).