“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.”
These were the words of the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, MON, at the Inaugural African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit 2025, held from Monday, August 25 to Wednesday, August 27, 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 landmark gathering brought together military leaders, policymakers, and academics from across the continent. Among the distinguished attendees were the Vice President of Nigeria, Sen. Kashim Shettima, GCON, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Special Guest of Honour; the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, who represented the Senate President; the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Hon. Ahmad Abdullahi Kalambaina, representing the Speaker of the House; Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Haj. Amina J. Mohammed; former Prime Minister of Guinea, H.E. Lansana Kouyate; and former Nigerian Minister of External Affairs, Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, CFR.
Hosted by Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR, the summit provided a platform to explore Africa’s future security landscape. Deliberations addressed pressing threats including terrorism, insurgency, maritime insecurity, and the rising danger of cyberattacks.
Dr. Matawalle hailed the summit as a milestone in Africa’s collective security efforts, stressing that “Africa’s solutions must be led by Africans.” He reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to peace and stability across the continent, pointing to the country’s track record in peacekeeping, counterterrorism, and humanitarian initiatives.
The Minister also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Administration for strengthening Nigeria’s Armed Forces and reinforcing the nation’s leadership in regional and continental security initiatives. “I commend President 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,” he said.
Looking to the future, Dr. Matawalle underscored the need for Africa to invest in cutting-edge technologies, particularly in cyber defense and indigenous military-industrial capacity. He urged African states not merely to follow global military trends but to lead in shaping the future of warfare.
To ensure continuity, the Minister called for the summit to be institutionalized as an annual event, supported by working groups and task forces to sustain cooperation and track progress. He praised General Musa for his vision and leadership in convening the event, describing it as a demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening defense collaboration across Africa.
Closing his remarks, Dr. Matawalle urged African Chiefs of Defence Staff to remain united in addressing the continent’s security challenges through collaboration, intelligence-sharing, and joint training. “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,” he concluded.
Other dignitaries in attendance included Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC); Mr. David Wiseman, Chief of International Programmes and Strategy at the Invictus Games Foundation; Professor PLO Lumumba; Service Chiefs; and past Service Chiefs.