By Bavoriat Clara
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has called on African nations to forge a collective defense strategy to confront the continent’s growing and borderless security threats.
Declaring open the 2025 African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit in Abuja, the President who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said Africa’s security challenges require urgent and coordinated action.
He stressed that the gathering of Africa’s top military leaders must go beyond ceremonial engagement to become a covenant for deeper cooperation.
“The threats we face from insurgency in the deserts to piracy on the high seas, from cybercrime in the digital corridors to ruthless transnational criminal networks do not respect borders, and neither should our response,” Tinubu said. “
This is the moment to reassess our military objectives and forge a new doctrine of continental defense rooted in trust, shared intelligence, and coordinated strategy.”
The President reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to being a reliable partner in the pursuit of peace, recalling the nation’s contributions to peacekeeping operations, counterterrorism campaigns, and humanitarian missions across Africa.
He noted that security is the foundation upon which peace and progress must be built.Highlighting the evolving nature of warfare, Tinubu pointed out that modern threats are asymmetric, digital, and often invisible. He therefore urged African countries to invest in cyber defense, artificial intelligence, and indigenous military innovations.
According to him, Africa must not remain a consumer of foreign technologies but should become a producer and innovator of its own defense solutions.
The President also called on the organized private sector to partner with governments in developing the defense industry, stressing that investing in security is an investment in the survival of nations.Honoring fallen African soldiers who laid down their lives in defense of peace, Tinubu said their sacrifices must be immortalized through stronger institutions, shared values, and enduring partnerships.
To institutionalize cooperation, he proposed the establishment of a permanent African Chiefs of Defence Staff Forum, which would serve as a platform for continuous dialogue, strategic foresight, and operational coordination.
“Let us rise above division and embrace cooperation. Let us imagine an Africa where peace is not the exception but the norm, where the language of war gives way to the rhythm of progress, and where the dignity of our people is secured by our collective resolve,” the President declared.
On behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, President Tinubu welcomed delegates to Abuja and officially declared the summit open, wishing them fruitful deliberations and enduring partnerships.
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