Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Mohammed Matawalle, has emphasized the urgent need to strengthen military collaboration, intelligence gathering, and capacity building to bolster regional security in West Africa.
Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at a gala dinner during the 43rd Ordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff in Abuja, Matawalle reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the region and its people.
He stated that the security challenges confronting our region require a united and strategic approach. 
Matawalle emphasized that strengthening military cooperation, enhancing intelligence sharing, and building collective capacity are crucial steps toward ensuring a safer and more stable West Africa.
He reiterated Nigeria’s steadfast dedication to working alongside ECOWAS member states to combat threats such as terrorism, insurgency, and transnational crime.
Host of the event, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, welcomed the dignitaries and underscored the significance of regional unity in addressing security challenges.
He noted that the meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on shared goals and reaffirm commitments to promoting peace, stability, and development within the ECOWAS Community. 
“This gathering marks a significant moment in our collective efforts to strengthen security and cooperation across the region,” General Musa said, expressing confidence that ongoing discussions would lead to concrete actions to enhance regional security.
The evening, marked by camaraderie and diplomatic engagement, set the stage for further high-level deliberations aimed at improving coordinated military responses.
The 43rd Ordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff continues in Abuja, with crucial discussions expected to shape the future of security strategies across West Africa.
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