By Bavoriat Clara
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has outlined Nigeria’s preparations to host the 2025 African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit, reaffirming the country’s commitment to regional peace, security, and strategic defence cooperation across the continent.
Addressing journalists at a press conference in Abuja, General Musa said the summit will take place from 25th to 27th August 2025 at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre and Transcorp Hilton, Abuja. Defence Chiefs from all 54 African countries have been invited, with over 90 percent confirming participation.
The theme of the summit is “Combating Contemporary Threats to Regional Peace and Security in Africa: The Role of Strategic Defence Collaboration.” President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, will declare the event open, while United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, will deliver the keynote address. The programme will feature plenary sessions, bilateral engagements, a gala night, and a concurrent defence exhibition showcasing Africa’s indigenous defence capabilities.
According to the CDS, the summit aims to foster collaboration among African militaries to address shared security threats, promote intelligence-sharing, conduct joint training, and strengthen the African Union peace and security architecture. Other goals include developing mechanisms for integrating the private sector into defence resourcing and creating a roundtable for homegrown solutions to Africa’s defence needs.
General Musa listed key security challenges affecting the continent, including terrorism and violent extremism from groups such as Boko Haram, ISIS affiliates, and al-Shabaab; armed banditry and kidnapping in the Sahel and West Africa; piracy and maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea; cyber threats to defence systems; and security risks linked to climate change, resource competition, and migration.
He stressed that addressing these threats requires both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches, as well as closer cooperation among regional blocs like ECOWAS, SADC, and the East African Standby Force.
On capacity building, the CDS highlighted the need for investment in technology, logistics, and personnel training, while promoting indigenous defence production. He commended Nigerian innovators producing drones and vehicles locally, noting that the Armed Forces are working to standardise and expand defence manufacturing capacity to achieve self-reliance.
The summit’s expected outcomes include the development of a unified African security strategy, enhanced bilateral and multilateral military partnerships, operational coordination, and private sector involvement in defence resourcing. General Musa emphasised that Nigeria’s leadership role in peacekeeping—through the United Nations, African Union, and ECOWAS missions—demonstrates its readiness to support regional stability.
Addressing domestic security, General Musa called for the establishment of cattle ranching as a sustainable solution to end farmers-herders clashes, boost agricultural productivity, and promote economic growth.
He urged Nigerians to continue supporting the Armed Forces and security agencies, stressing that defeating asymmetric warfare requires the commitment of all citizens and every level of government.
“African security is our collective responsibility. We cannot hand it over to anyone else,” the CDS said. “Working together as Africans, we can secure our continent and build a stronger, safer future.”
The CDS also commended President Tinubu for his support to the Armed Forces, appreciated the role of the Nigerian press, and reaffirmed that Nigeria will remain resolute in safeguarding its territory, the African continent, and contributing to global peace efforts.
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