Nigeria Urges Africa to Take Greater Control of Its Security Future.
Nigeria is urging African countries to strengthen their defence cooperation and take greater control of decisions affecting the continent’s security.
Abuja. — Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa, has called on African countries to take a more active role in shaping global security decisions and reduce their dependence on external powers.
Musa made the call during a high-level meeting with visiting African Ministers of Defence and Chiefs of Defence Staff at the conclusion of the African International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026 in Lagos.
According to a statement by the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde, the meeting focused on strengthening continental unity, developing collective security frameworks and building Africa’s indigenous defence industry.
Addressing the military leaders and delegates, Musa said growing global geopolitical competition and external interference made it necessary for African countries to adopt a common position based on national sovereignty and strategic independence.
He urged African nations to move beyond being a platform for external geopolitical interests and become more self-reliant in addressing security challenges and influencing decisions that affect the continent.
