Nigeria, Brazil Deepen Defence Cooperation in Maritime Security, Industry
Nigeria and Brazil have renewed their commitment to deepening bilateral defence cooperation, with a focus on strengthening maritime security, advancing defence-industrial partnerships, and enhancing regional stability.
This followed a high-level meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, and his Brazilian counterpart, José Múcio Monteiro Filho, in Brasília on August 25, held on the sidelines of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to Brazil.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry, said the discussions underscored both countries’ shared vision for regional stability, maritime security, and industrial self-reliance.
Also in attendance was General Renato Rodrigues de Aguiar Freire, Chief of the Joint Staff of the Brazilian Armed Forces.
The discussions centred on the implementation of the Nigeria-Brazil Defence Agreement signed on June 24, 2025, which both ministers described as a strategic framework to expand collaboration, foster technology transfer, and build industrial partnerships in the defence sector.
Badaru emphasized that Nigeria was determined to reduce dependence on arms imports by developing a resilient domestic defence industry.
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“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,” he said. “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.”
The Minister also acknowledged Brazil’s support in securing the Gulf of Guinea—a strategic maritime corridor crucial to Nigeria’s economy—and praised its constructive role in advancing the objectives of the South Atlantic Peace and Cooperation Zone (ZOPACAS).
He noted that closer cooperation in maritime awareness, joint exercises, and interoperability would help both countries protect vital sea routes and expand their blue economies.
The meeting further highlighted Nigeria’s alignment with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises national security, self-reliance, and sustainable economic growth.
Both ministers agreed to establish a structured defence dialogue framework to ensure continuity, accountability, and measurable outcomes in the partnership.
The engagement reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to a forward-looking strategic alliance with Brazil, reinforcing bilateral ties and strengthening Nigeria’s role in regional and transatlantic security cooperation.
By PRNigeria
