By Harriet Tornguvan -Abuja
The 6th session of the Nigeria–South Africa Bi-National Commission Defence and Security Committee commenced at the Nigeria Army Conference Centre and Suites, Asokoro, Abuja, bringing together key stakeholders for a five-day strategic dialogue aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in defence and security.
The acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Sunday Attah, described the Committee as a vital platform of the Bi-National Commission, providing a structured mechanism for reviewing progress, addressing emerging security challenges, and driving strategic initiatives.
Attah commended the success of the 5th session held in Johannesburg, which, according to him, laid the groundwork for the current deliberations.
He highlighted the significance of the Police Agreement of 2001 and the Defence Cooperation Agreement of 2013, which continue to foster bilateral exchanges, training programmes, capacity-building efforts, and joint operations.
“As two leading nations on the African continent, Nigeria and South Africa share the responsibility of safeguarding regional peace, stability, and security. Attah noted.
Additionally, he emphasized the need to build on existing achievements in counterterrorism, maritime security, peace support operations, and responses to evolving security threats.
He further described the partnership as a strong pillar of African solidarity, rooted in mutual respect and a shared vision for a secure continent.
Simeon Dumisani Dladla expressed optimism that the engagement would deepen defence cooperation, enhance training opportunities and intelligence sharing, and promote collaboration within the defence industry of both nations.
The ongoing meeting is attended by senior officials from relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as other stakeholders from both countries. Deliberations will focus on producing actionable strategies to consolidate and expand cooperation across critical defence and security sectors.
