Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have signed a defence Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s defence architecture and enhancing the capacity of the nation’s armed forces through deeper military and security cooperation.
The agreement, which has been under consideration for some time, is expected to open new pathways for training, operational collaboration, and intelligence sharing between both countries at a time when Nigeria continues to confront complex internal security threats.
According to a statement by the Ministry of Defence, the MoU was signed on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Mohammed Matawalle, while the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was represented by the Assistant Minister of Defence for Executive Affairs, Dr Khaled Al-Biyari.
“The signing of this MoU is a significant milestone. It has been on the drawing board for some time, and its conclusion will strengthen Nigeria’s defence architecture and enhance the capacity of our armed forces,” Dr Matawalle said.
Under the agreement, the MoU will remain in force for an initial period of five years and may be reviewed and renewed for a similar term by mutual consent. Either party, however, may terminate the agreement by giving a minimum of three months’ written notice through diplomatic channels.
The framework establishes broad cooperation across defence and military domains, including training, joint military exercises, technical assistance, intelligence exchange, logistics support and other mutually agreed activities designed to improve coordination and effectiveness.
The Ministry of Defence noted that the partnership is expected to deliver tangible benefits to Nigeria, particularly in professional military education, specialist training and personnel exchanges, which are critical to improving skills, doctrine and leadership across the armed forces.
In operational terms, joint exercises and shared experience are expected to enhance interoperability and readiness, while expanded cooperation in counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency and intelligence sharing will support ongoing efforts to address violent extremism, organised crime and internal security challenges.
The ministry described the MoU as a practical and strategic instrument that aligns with Nigeria’s long-term security priorities and defence modernisation objectives, reinforcing bilateral ties with Saudi Arabia while strengthening national and regional stability.
Lateefah Ibrahim