13th November, 2023.
The Honourable Minister of state for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON, today, graced the Opening ceremony of the CDI Annual Conference 2023 with the theme “Leveraging Defence Diplomacy and Effective Regional Collaboration for Enhanced National Security” organized by the Defence Intelligence Agency hosted by the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major General EAP Undiandeye held at Armed forces Officers’ mess, Asokoro Abuja.
At the conference, the minister reminded the participants at the conference that, nation’s defence and security was one of the key Priorities of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s RenewedHope administration.
He also charged the Defence Attaches/Advisers to build strong relationships with their host country’s defence establishments, government officials and relevant defence industry stakeholders.
“As Nigeria’s military representatives, you are to disseminate the nation’s defence industry’s aspirations, highlighting areas where technical support and collaborations are sought. This include Joint research and development projects, technology transfer programs as well as sharing best practices in defence manufacturing and industrial processes. Hence, your role as liaisons is crucial in promoting bilateral cooperation and strengthening Nigeria’s defence industry capabilities.” He said
The Minister also called on the participants to utilize the opportunity to re-energize their resolve in developing strategies that would continue to improve security, political, economic and diplomatic efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Other high dignitaries that attended the Conference included: The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr. Abubakar Ibrahim kana mni, Chief of Defence Staff, General C.G Musa, Chief of Army Staff, Maj. T.A Lagbaja, Chief of Naval staff, Rear Admiral, Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla and the representative of Chief of Air staff.
Ahmad Dan-wudil
Personal Assistant (Media)
to the Minister of state for Defence.
November 13, 2023
