The Ministry of Defence on Wednesday opened the 6th session of the Nigeria–South Africa Bi-National Commission Defence and Security Committee in Abuja, with both countries pledging to strengthen collaboration on regional peace and security.
The five-day meeting, holding at the Nigeria Army Conference Centre and Suites, Asokoro, will focus on practical steps to consolidate cooperation in defence and security sectors.
In his welcome address, the Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr. Sunday Attah, described the Committee as “a key working group of the Bi-National Commission that offers a structured mechanism for reviewing progress, addressing emerging security challenges, and advancing strategic initiatives.”
Recalling the outcome of the 5th session held in Johannesburg, Attah said the deliberations there “laid the foundation for the current engagements.” He reminded delegates of the Police Agreement (2001) and the Defence Cooperation Agreement (2013), which continue to drive bilateral training, exchanges, capacity-building and joint operations.
He further stressed the importance of building on past achievements, particularly in counterterrorism, maritime security, peace support operations, and responses to emerging threats.
“As two leading nations on the African continent, Nigeria and South Africa share a responsibility to safeguard regional peace, stability and security,” he said.
“Our partnership remains a strong pillar of African solidarity, rooted in mutual respect and a vision for a secure continent.”
Leader of the South African delegation, Mr. Simeon Dumisani Dladla, said the engagement would reinforce defence cooperation between both nations.
“This meeting will expand exchange of training opportunities, intelligence sharing, and promote defence industry collaboration,” he added.
The session is attended by members of the South African delegation, officials of relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and other stakeholders.
Nigeria, South Africa Deepen Defence, Security Ties
