Nigeria and Brazil have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral defence cooperation during the Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism, held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday, 24th June 2025

Speaking at the high-level session, Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, H.E. Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, CON, mni, highlighted four key focus areas for enhanced collaboration: maritime security, joint training and capacity building, defence industry and technology transfer, and intelligence sharing.

Describing the Dialogue as more than a diplomatic formality, Badaru stated, “This engagement reaffirms our shared vision for peace, security, and sustainable development.” He praised the longstanding and mutually respectful relationship between both countries, noting their roles as regional powers committed to global security.

The Minister underscored the strategic significance of the Gulf of Guinea, calling for intensified joint efforts to combat piracy, trafficking, and other transnational maritime threats. He also acknowledged Brazil’s leadership within the Zone of Peace and Cooperation of the South Atlantic (ZOPACAS). He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to active participation in the upcoming Ninth Ministerial Meeting in Brazil.

On industrial collaboration, Badaru invited Brazil to explore opportunities with Nigeria’s Defence Industries Corporation (DICON) in areas such as technology transfer, co-production, and direct investment.

He also emphasized the importance of expanding intelligence-sharing efforts, particularly in combating drug trafficking and terrorism financing.

Badaru commended both nations’ Ministries of Foreign Affairs and expressed appreciation for the leadership of Vice Presidents Kashim Shettima (Nigeria) and Geraldo Alckmin (Brazil) in advancing the initiative.

“The path ahead is promising,” he concluded. “Let us sustain this partnership with vision, purpose, and shared commitment to regional stability.”