“The future of warfare is digital, fast-moving, and unpredictable. As defense leaders, we must invest in technology to stay ahead of emerging threats. Africa must take the lead in shaping the future of defense.”
This was the submission made by the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, MON, at the Inaugural African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit 2025, starting from Monday, August 25 to Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja. The summit’s theme was: “Combating Contemporary Threats to Regional Peace and Security in Africa: The Role of Strategic Defense Collaboration.”
The summit brought together military leaders, high-ranking officials from across Africa, and academics. The distinguished audience included the representative of the President of Nigeria and Special Guest of Honour, His Excellency Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, GCON, the representative of the Senate President, the Chairman Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, the representative of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Deputy Chairman House Committee on Defence, Hon. Ahmad Abdullahi Kalambaina, Haj. Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, His Excellency Lansana Kouyate, Former Prime Minister of the Republic of Guinea, and Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, CFR, Former Minister of External Affairs and former Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations.
The summit hosted by the Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff, General C.G. Musa, OFR, aimed to explore the future of continental security and military collaboration. The summit marked a pivotal moment in security cooperation across Africa, focusing on pressing security challenges such as terrorism, insurgency, maritime insecurity, and the growing threat of cyberattacks.
Minister Matawalle commended the summit as a vital step toward fostering a unified and resilient Africa. He emphasized that Africa’s security solutions must be led by Africans, with continental unity serving as a cornerstone. The Minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s longstanding commitment to promoting peace and stability across the continent, citing the country’s efforts in peacekeeping, counterterrorism, and humanitarian initiatives.
The Minister also praised the Renewed Hope Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the Nigerian Armed Forces and its efforts in reinforcing Nigeria’s leadership in regional and continental security initiatives. “I commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his steadfast leadership in shaping Nigeria’s security agenda. His administration has strengthened our armed forces, deepened strategic partnerships, and reinforced Nigeria’s role as a stabilizing force in Africa,” the Minister stated.
Furthermore, Minister Matawalle emphasized the need for Africa to embrace cutting-edge technologies, particularly advancements in cyber defense, and to invest in indigenous military-industrial capabilities. He urged African nations not only to adapt to global military trends but also to take the lead in shaping the future of warfare.
The Minister called for the institutionalization of the summit as an annual event, suggesting the creation of standing working groups and task forces to ensure sustained cooperation and progress among African defense institutions.
Minister Matawalle also commended the exceptional leadership of the Chief Host, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff, for his vision and dedication in organizing the summit. He commended General Musa for his commitment to regional security and military collaboration.
In closing, the Minister called upon the African Chiefs of Defence Staff to maintain unity in addressing the continent’s security challenges, stressing the importance of continued collaboration, intelligence-sharing, and joint training efforts to build stronger and more secure African nations.
“Together, we can ensure that Africa’s security is no longer a distant dream but a tangible reality. Our collective efforts will safeguard peace, stability, and progress for generations to come,” Minister Matawalle concluded.
Other dignitaries at the summit included Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited; Mr. David Wiseman, Chief of International Programmes and Strategy at the Invictus Games Foundation; Professor PLO Lumumba; Services Chiefs; and past Services Chiefs.
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