By Joy Odor-Abuja
Nigeria’s voice rang loud today on the global stage as the Honourable Minister of Defence, H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, CON, mni, stormed Beijing to represent the country at the prestigious 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, a gathering of the world’s most powerful defence and military leaders.
With over 100 countries in attendance, including global heavyweights like Russia, France, Singapore, Brazil, and Vietnam, the Forum has become one of the most important platforms for shaping the future of international security.
This year’s theme, “Upholding International Order and Promoting Peaceful Development,” could not be more timely, as nations grapple with wars, terrorism, and escalating regional tensions.
By securing its place at the high-level dialogue, Nigeria is not only reaffirming its commitment to peace and stability but also signaling its readiness to play a strategic role in global defence cooperation.
Minister Badaru’s participation places Nigeria shoulder-to-shoulder with major powers in critical conversations covering:
Global security governance
Asia-Pacific security cooperation
Defence of international order
Regional peace-building initiatives
For a nation confronting insurgency, piracy, cyber threats, and cross-border insecurity, Nigeria’s seat at the Xiangshan Forum is more than symbolic.
It is a diplomatic declaration that Abuja intends to be a security stakeholder, not a bystander.
The 12th Xiangshan Forum features four plenary sessions and eight simultaneous sessions, making it a powerhouse of debate, dialogue, and policy exchange.
Nigeria’s contribution to these discussions could shape future partnerships, technology transfers, and defence collaborations that directly impact Africa’s stability.
As Badaru takes Nigeria’s case to Beijing, one message is clear: the world cannot talk about global security without Africa, and Africa cannot talk security without Nigeria.
