President Bola Tinubu’s administration says it is committed to partnering with global military leaders and defence industry stakeholders, including the United States Africa Command, to strengthen Nigeria’s global defence.

Defence chief Olufemi Oluyede gave the assurance when he received Poland’s ambassador to Nigeria, Michał Cygan, according to a statement on Tuesday.

Mr Cygan led a delegation of defence industry executives to explore cooperation in defence technology, equipment acquisition and capacity development at the ongoing African International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) in Lagos.

The delegation includes military officials from Italy, Guinea-Bissau, Eswatini, the United Arab Emirates and USAFRICOM.

They are Dagvin Anderson, commander of USAFRICOM; Luciano Portolano, chief of defence staff of the Italian Armed Forces; and Ibrahima Sory Bangoura, chief of general staff of Guinea-Bissau’s armed forces.

Others include Hulumende Fakudze, commander of the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force, and Mohammed Sultan Yousef Al Nuaimi of the UAE.

Mr Oluyede’s discussion with international defence industry executives focused on shared security interests, professional military education, capacity building, defence technology transfer, and operational cooperation.

Mr Oluyede’s discussions with USAFRICOM centred on sustaining the existing strategic partnership between Nigeria and the United States, while he explored cooperation in military training, maritime security and specialised capabilities, including police training with Italy.

In his discussion with Guinea-Bissau, he reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional stability, respect for national sovereignty and defence capacity development.

His engagement with Eswatini and the UAE also explored opportunities to deepen strategic defence relations, promote defence-industrial cooperation and strengthen responses to evolving transnational security threats,” he said.

Mr Oluyede restated the importance of sustained military dialogue and mutually beneficial partnerships to improve operational effectiveness and promote regional and global stability.

(NAN)