Schuman Security and Defence Forum: Badaru discusses international security cooperation

The Honourable Minister of Defence, H.E. Muhammed Badaru Abubakar CON mni, is currently attending the Schuman Security & Defence Forum in Brussels, Belgium. The Forum, which commenced today, featured high-level discussions on global security and defence strategies.

Badaru made a keynote presentation on Nigeria’s security situation and the country’s strategic approach to addressing contemporary security challenges. He said that the successes recorded in the fight against insurgency and terrorism were as a result of the nation’s defence and security architectures implemented by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, since the inception of his administration.

He highlighted some of the President’s defence and security architectures to include: the strengthening of regional and International security partnerships, signing of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Bill, 2023, to enhance local defence production and reduce reliance on foreign arms imports, launch of the Nigerian Navy’s new warship, NNS Gusau, to strengthen maritime security and protect the nation’s territorial waters, approval of a comprehensive national security strategy to tackle emerging security threats and challenges, increase in military funding to enhance personnel welfare, training, and equipment and the introduction of a new counter-terrorism policy to combat Boko Haram and other terrorist groups.

According to him, the critical dialogues at the Forum is aimed to enhance international security cooperation and address contemporary defence challenges. He emphasized that the Forum provides a vital platform for Nigeria to engage with global partners and reinforce its commitment to regional and international peace and stability.

The Schuman Security & Defence Forum brings together EU Ministers of Defence, representatives from partner countries, international and regional organisations, think tanks, and academia to exchange views on common security challenges and responses.

The Forum is the second edition of the Schuman Security and Defence Forum, following the success of the first edition last year

The Forum is being held at a time of heightened security concerns in Europe and globally, and is seen as an important opportunity for countries to come together and address common security challenges.