Nigeria and Brazil have strengthened their alliance in defense cooperation, emphasizing technology transfer and maritime security. This development was announced on June 25, 2025, during the Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, hailed this dialogue as a significant step towards achieving regional stability. In a statement released by Mati Ali, the Personal Assistant on Media & Publicity to the Minister, Badaru identified four key areas for enhanced collaboration: maritime security, joint training and capacity building, the defense industry and technology transfer, and intelligence sharing.
He underscored that this partnership goes beyond mere diplomatic gestures. “This dialogue reaffirms our shared vision for peace, security, and sustainable development,” he stated.
Minister Badaru emphasized the strategic importance of the Gulf of Guinea in combating threats such as piracy and illicit trafficking. He recognized Brazil’s leadership within the Zone of Peace and Cooperation of the South Atlantic (ZOPACAS) and reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to participate actively in the upcoming Ninth Ministerial Meeting in Brazil.
He also invited Brazil to explore opportunities with Nigeria’s Defence Industries Corporation (DICON) in technology transfer, co-production initiatives, and direct investment, underscoring the desire to localize defense manufacturing capabilities. The Minister highlighted the necessity of expanding intelligence-sharing initiatives, especially regarding drug trafficking and terrorism financing networks.
In closing, Minister Badaru expressed appreciation for the Foreign Affairs Ministries of both nations and praised Vice Presidents Kashim Shettima of Nigeria and Geraldo Alckmin of Brazil for their pivotal roles in advancing this strategic initiative. He remarked, “The path forward is promising.
Let us sustain this partnership with vision, purpose, and a shared commitment to regional stability.”