By Bavoriat Clara
The Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, CON, mni, on 25 August 2025, held a high-level bilateral meeting with Brazil’s Minister of Defence, Mr. José Múcio Monteiro Filho, in Brasília. The meeting took place on the sidelines of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to Brazil.
In a statement issued by the Minister’s Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mati Ali, the discussions centered on strengthening defence relations, advancing defence-industrial cooperation, and enhancing maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. Also present was General Renato Rodrigues de Aguiar Freire, Chief of the Joint Staff of the Brazilian Armed Forces.
Minister Badaru reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the Nigeria-Brazil Defence Agreement, signed on 24 June 2025, describing it as a strategic tool to expand collaboration, deepen technology transfer, and build enduring industrial partnerships. He stressed that effective implementation of the agreement is key to developing Nigeria’s local defence production capacity and reducing dependence on imports.
“Nigeria is determined to build a resilient defence industry that positions our country as Africa’s defence-industrial hub. 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,” Minister Badaru stated.
The Defence Minister also commended Brazil’s support in securing the Gulf of Guine, an economic lifeline for Nigeria and praised its constructive role in advancing the objectives of the South Atlantic Peace and Cooperation Zone (ZOPACAS).
He emphasized that closer collaboration on maritime domain awareness, joint exercises, and interoperability would strengthen both countries’ capacities to protect vital sea routes and expand their blue economies.
Minister Badaru further noted that sustained cooperation in maritime security, counterterrorism, and defence-industrial innovation aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes national security and self-reliance as pillars of Nigeria’s development strategy.
At the end of the meeting, both ministers agreed to establish a structured defence dialogue framework to ensure continuity, accountability, and tangible results.
The engagement reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to a forward-looking partnership with Brazil, reinforcing bilateral ties and consolidating Nigeria’s leadership in regional and transatlantic security cooperation.
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