The 6th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission Defence and Security Committee commenced in Abuja, with the aim of strengthening bilateral cooperation in defence and security matters.
This was made known in a statement by Enderline chukwu, Assistant Director, Information and PR, Ministry of Defence.
The five-day meeting, held at the Nigeria Army Conference Centre and Suites, Asokoro, Abuja, provides a platform for both countries to review progress, address emerging security challenges, and advance strategic initiatives.
Welcoming members of the Committee, the Acting Permanent Secretary, Dr. Sunday Attah, described the Committee as a key working group of the Bi-National Commission, highlighting the importance of building on established achievements, particularly in counterterrorism, maritime security, peace support operations, and responses to emerging security threats. He emphasized the shared responsibility of Nigeria and South Africa to safeguard regional peace, stability, and security as leading nations on the African continent.
The meeting aims to consolidate cooperation across defence and security sectors, with a focus on practical outcomes. Mr. Simeon Dumisani Dladla, leader of the South African delegation, said the engagement will reinforce defence cooperation, expand exchange of training opportunities and intelligence sharing, and promote defence industry collaboration.
The meeting is attended by members of the South African delegation, representatives from relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, and other stakeholders. With the Police Agreement (2001) and Defence Cooperation Agreement (2013) in place, both countries are poised to further strengthen their partnership, rooted in mutual respect and a vision for a secure continent.