By Bavoriat Clara
The 6th Session of the Nigeria–South Africa Bi-National Commission Defence and Security Committee has formally commenced at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre and Suites, Asokoro, Abuja.
In a statement issued by the Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations, Enderline Chukwu, for the Director of Information and Public Relations, the five-day meeting provides a structured platform to deepen bilateral cooperation in defence and security matters between the two countries.
In his welcome address, the Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr. Sunday Attah, described the Committee as a vital working arm of the Bi-National Commission, serving as a mechanism to review progress, address emerging security challenges, and advance strategic initiatives.
Dr. Attah commended the 5th session held in Johannesburg, noting that it laid the groundwork for the ongoing deliberations. He reminded participants of the Police Agreement of 2001 and the Defence Cooperation Agreement of 2013, which have continued to facilitate bilateral exchanges, training programmes, capacity-building initiatives, and joint operations.
He emphasized the need to consolidate achievements in areas such as counter-terrorism, maritime security, peace support operations, and responses to evolving threats.
“As two leading nations on the African continent, Nigeria and South Africa share a responsibility to safeguard regional peace, stability, and security,” he stated, adding that the partnership remains “a strong pillar of African solidarity, rooted in mutual respect and a vision for a secure continent.”
Speaking on behalf of the South African delegation, Mr. Simeon Dumisani Dladla reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening defence cooperation.
He highlighted that the engagement will further expand opportunities for training exchanges, intelligence sharing, and defence industry collaboration.
The meeting is being attended by the South African delegation, representatives of relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as other stakeholders.
Discussions will focus on practical strategies to consolidate cooperation across defence and security sectors.
The Ministry reiterated that the session underscores the shared commitment of Nigeria and South Africa to advancing peace, security, and stability on the continent.
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