Bomba Dauda
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), OFR, has held a strategic meeting with Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Kayode Are, at the Embassy of Nigeria in Washington, D.C.
The meeting, which took place on Monday,
August 17, focused on strengthening the longstanding defence and security partnership between Nigeria and the United States, particularly in the areas of counter-terrorism and the modernisation of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
General Musa stressed the importance of diversifying Nigeria’s international defence partnerships while sustaining its traditional strategic alliances. He highlighted the significance of United States military technology, including advanced drone capabilities and satellite intelligence, in enhancing the operational effectiveness of Nigeria’s security forces.
The Minister also reaffirmed that Nigeria’s international defence engagements would continue to be conducted in full respect of the country’s national sovereignty and strategic interests.
Receiving the Minister, Ambassador Are commended the security sector reforms being undertaken by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to facilitating diplomatic channels for enhanced technical training, intelligence sharing and equipment support for the Nigerian military.
The meeting also examined the evolving geopolitical and security situation in the Sahel, with both sides underscoring the need for stronger regional security cooperation to effectively address extremist threats.
Following the engagement, General Musa inspected the Embassy’s Defence Section, where he commended the Defence Attaché, Air Commodore Valentine Oreaki, and his staff for their efforts in advancing Nigeria’s defence interests.
He charged the personnel to sustain high standards of professionalism, discipline and dedication in the discharge of their responsibilities to the Armed Forces and the nation.
The visit marked the conclusion of a week-long series of engagements undertaken by the Defence Minister as part of a high-level Federal Government delegation led by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, in Washington, D.C.
