Nigeria’s Defence Minister Engages Brazilian Counterpart To Deepen Bilateral Cooperation

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, on Monday, engaged his Brazilian counterpart, Mr José Múcio Monteiro Filho, in a crucial meeting aimed to advancing defence-industrial cooperation, and enhancing maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, among other defence-related issues.

The meeting was held in Brasília on the sidelines of President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to Brazil.

A statement by the Personal Assistant to the Minister, Mati Ali, said the meeting underscored Nigeria’s commitment to the full implementation of the Nigeria-Brazil Defence Agreement signed on June 24, 2025.

The Minister 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.

Badaru stressed that closer collaboration on maritime awareness, joint exercises, and interoperability will help both countries protect vital sea routes and grow their blue economies.

He said “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 continued, “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.”

Abubakar also commended Brazil’s support in securing the Gulf of Guinea, a maritime corridor central to Nigeria’s economic lifeline, and acknowledged its constructive role in advancing the objectives of the South Atlantic Peace and Cooperation Zone (ZOPACAS).

He highlighted that sustained cooperation in maritime security, counterterrorism, 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. 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.

Also present at the event was General Renato Rodrigues de Aguiar Freire, Chief of the Joint Staff of the Brazilian Armed Forces.