Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has issued a strong call for deeper collaboration and technological investment among African nations to confront the continent’s mounting security threats.
Speaking at the 4th African Air Forces Forum in Lagos—an event that drew top military leaders and aerospace experts from over 30 countries—Badaru warned that Africa’s security landscape is being reshaped by complex, cross-border threats like terrorism, transnational crime, and maritime insecurity.
“These threats transcend borders and defy conventional responses,” the Minister said. “To defeat them, we need more than national efforts—we need a united front, anchored in advanced air power, innovation, and strategic partnerships.”
The Forum, themed “Strengthening Collaboration in Advanced Aerospace Technologies for Enhanced National and Regional Security,” highlighted the urgent need for African air forces to embrace cutting-edge technologies such as unmanned aerial systems, surveillance platforms, and cyber defence capabilities.
Badaru revealed that Nigeria, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, is significantly investing in modernizing the Nigerian Air Force—enhancing its intelligence, mobility, and precision strike capacity.
“A strong Nigerian Air Force is not just vital for our national security—it is a strategic pillar for Africa’s collective defence,” he said.
But the Minister stressed that technology alone cannot secure the continent.
“This Forum is as much about human trust and shared values as it is about hardware and systems,” he noted. “Only through unity, mutual respect, and a common vision can we build a secure and prosperous Africa.”
He praised President Tinubu for his steadfast support of the Armed Forces and commended the Chief of Air Staff and the Nigerian Air Force for successfully hosting the high-level forum.
“This gathering proves what we can achieve when purpose meets partnership,” Badaru concluded.
The Forum is expected to yield concrete strategies for cooperation, positioning air power as a key driver for peace, stability, and sustainable development across Africa.
