- Holds bilateral meeting with Chinese leaders on Defence technology cooperation
Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has told the Fourth Plenary Session of the 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum that dialogue and consultation remain the cornerstone for sustenance of regional peace and security.
Badaru had earlier held a high‑level bilateral meeting with Air Chief Marshal Xu Xueqiang, Minister Department of Equipment and Development, People’s Republic of China, on the sideline of the Forum.
Speaking at the Forum under the session theme: “Upholding International Order and Promoting Peaceful Development,” Badaru said building the deliberate pursuit of regional peace through dialogue and consultation are most effective instruments for preventing conflict and sustaining regional security.
Addressing defence and security leaders, policymakers, diplomats and academics from more than 100 countries, the Minister argued that constructive engagement and inclusive processes are fundamental to lasting peace.
According to him: “Dialogue succeeds where confrontation fails. It is the foundation on which lasting security is built.”
Drawing on Nigeria’s experience, the Badaru highlighted the country’s role in regional and domestic peacebuilding, including:
- Leadership in ECOWAS interventions in Liberia, Sierra Leone and The Gambia;
- Contributions to the Multinational Joint Task Force operations against Boko Haram;
- Domestic initiatives such as the Amnesty Programme in the Niger Delta and Operation Safe Corridor.
Badaru emphasised that even the most complex crises can be resolved when dialogue is paired with inclusion, legitimacy and sustained engagement.
Linking his remarks to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister reaffirmed that Nigeria’s strategic autonomy and proactive international engagement underpin its contributions to regional and global peace.
He noted that domestic reform and multilateral cooperation are mutually reinforcing paths to security, stability and development.
The minister called on global partners to embrace dialogue, consultation and collaboration as shared responsibilities in upholding international order and advancing peaceful development.
On the meeting with the Chinese Minister, a statement by the Minister’s office said that the discussions focused on advancing practical cooperation in defence technology transfer, strengthening indigenous military production in Nigeria, and exploring wider defence-industrial collaboration.
Both delegations explored concrete avenues to strengthen industrial partnerships between Nigerian and Chinese defence manufacturers; build technical and institutional capacity within Nigeria’s defence sector; enhance interoperability through cooperative training, exchange programmes and joint projects; and identify areas for feasible, sustainable technology transfer consistent with Nigerian law and international obligations.
The meeting reaffirms Nigeria’s interest in pursuing practical, transparent and mutually beneficial arrangements that will strengthen national defence capability and support economic and technological development at home. Both sides agreed to task relevant agencies to follow up on technical studies and proposals with a view to developing concrete programmes and, where appropriate, formal agreements.
The 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum brings together defence and security officials, military leaders and experts from around the world to discuss global and regional security challenges and cooperation. The Ministry of Defence’s participation underscores Nigeria’s commitment to active engagement in international defence diplomacy and capacity building.
