The Federal Government is committed to partnering with global military leaders and defence industry stakeholders including the United States Africa Command (US AFRICOM) on strengthening Nigeria’s global defence.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede gave the assurance when he received the Ambassador of Poland to Nigeria, Mr Michał Cygan.
The Director, Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Cygan led a delegation of defence industry executives to explore cooperation in defence technology, equipment acquisition and capacity development at the ongoing African International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) in Lagos.
NAN also reports that the delegation includes military officials from Italy, Guinea-Bissau, Eswatini, the United Arab Emirates and US AFRICOM.
They are Gen. Dagvin Anderson, Commander of US AFRICOM; Gen. Luciano Portolano, Chief of Defence Staff of the Italian Armed Forces; Lt.-Gen. Ibrahima Sory Bangoura, Chief of General Staff of Guinea-Bissau’s Armed Forces.
Others include Gen. Hulumende Fakudze, Commander of the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force; and Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Sultan Yousef Al Nuaimi of the UAE.
The discussion of the CDS with the international defence industry executives focused on shared security interests, professional military education, capacity building, defence technology transfer and operational cooperation.
Oluyede discussions with US AFRICOM centred on sustaining the existing strategic partnership between Nigeria and the United States, while he explored cooperation in military training, maritime security and specialised capabilities, including police training with Italy.
In his discussion with Guinea-Bissau, he reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional stability, respect for national sovereignty and defence capacity development.
His engagement with Eswatini and the UAE also explored opportunities to deepen strategic defence relations, promote defence-industrial cooperation and strengthen responses to evolving transnational security threats,” be said.
The CDS emphasised the importance of sustained military dialogue and mutually beneficial partnerships in improving operational effectiveness and promoting regional and global stability.
The engagements reflects the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment to defence diplomacy and partnerships that advance national security interests and contribute to peace and stability.(NAN)
