Nigeria and South Africa have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in defence and security as the 6th session of the Nigeria–South Africa Bi-National Commission Defence and Security Committee opened in Abuja on Wednesday.
The five-day meeting, holding at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre and Suites, Asokoro, is expected to serve as a platform for reviewing progress, addressing emerging challenges, and advancing joint strategic initiatives.
In his welcome address, Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Dr. Sunday Attah, described the Committee as a vital working group of the Bi-National Commission. He noted that previous sessions, particularly the 5th edition held in Johannesburg, laid the groundwork for current deliberations.
Dr. Attah reminded delegates of the Police Agreement of 2001 and the Defence Cooperation Agreement of 2013, which he said continue to facilitate bilateral exchanges, training, capacity-building initiatives and joint operations. He emphasized the need to consolidate gains 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 stated. “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, echoed the sentiment, stressing that the engagement would deepen defence cooperation between the two countries. He highlighted plans to expand training exchanges, enhance intelligence sharing and promote collaboration in the defence industry.
The meeting is being attended by members of the South African delegation, representatives from relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as other stakeholders. Discussions are expected to produce practical outcomes to further consolidate defence and security cooperation.
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