At a time of rising geopolitical tensions, Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, CON, mni, has projected Nigeria’s influence on the global stage—urging world powers to replace confrontation with dialogue and consultation as the bedrock of regional and international peace.
Delivering a keynote address at the Fourth Plenary Session of the 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, Badaru spoke to over 100 countries’ defence chiefs, diplomats, and security experts on the theme “Upholding International Order and Promoting Peaceful Development.”
“Dialogue succeeds where confrontation fails,” he said. “Lasting security is built on inclusive processes, legitimacy, and sustained engagement—not on force or coercion.”
Badaru drew on Nigeria’s proven record in regional conflict resolution, citing ECOWAS-led interventions in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia, its contributions to the Multinational Joint Task Force fighting Boko Haram, and domestic peace efforts like the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme and Operation Safe Corridor.
By linking his remarks to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Badaru underscored that Nigeria’s strategic autonomy and proactive diplomacy are key to fostering not only African security but also global stability.
His message repositioned Nigeria as a bridge-builder in an increasingly polarized world, reminding major powers that regional crises can only be solved when dialogue and collaboration become shared obligations—not afterthoughts.