Defence Minister Urges African Leaders to Become Influential Actors in Shaping Global Security Decisions
Linus Aleke in Abuja The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has urged African leaders to transition from being a theatre of external geopolitical competition to becoming self-reliant and influential
General Christopher Musa, the former Minister of Defence, has implored African leaders to move beyond being battlegrounds for external geopolitical rivalry and become powerful advocates in moulding global security decisions. In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde, General Musa advocated for a profound shift in Africa's outlook on security.
At the recently concluded African Defence Exhibition and Conference (AFRIDEX 2026) in Lagos, General Musa reaffirmed Nigeria's steadfast dedication to continental solidarity, collective security, and the swift growth of indigenous defence capabilities.
The minister underscored the necessity of a unified continental stance, citing mounting global geopolitical tensions and external meddling, which make it critical for Africa to promote a uniform position anchored in national sovereignty and strategic independence. He emphasized that defense alliances must henceforth be strictly aligned with African-defined interests, rather than perpetuating strategic reliance or compromising state sovereignty.
Musa highlighted the pivotal role of the African Union Peace and Security Architecture (AU-PSA) and called for a more robust African presence in global security deliberations, along with improved unity across regional, continental, and national defense structures. He addressed the security situation in the Sahel, Lake Chad Basin, Horn of Africa, and certain parts of Central and Southern Africa, stressing that transnational threats such as terrorism, violent extremism, and organized crime cannot be tackled through isolated national efforts.
Consequently, Nigeria pledged its commitment to cross-regional collaboration between ECOWAS member states and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), diplomatic and peacekeeping initiatives to tackle lingering conflicts in Sudan and the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and integrated governance frameworks to address the root causes of instability and safeguard civilians.
Musa criticized Africa's persistent dependence on foreign military equipment, spare parts, and technical assistance as a significant weakness. He advocated for a bold shift towards local defense manufacturing, technology transfer, and collaborative maintenance schemes. For a truly secure continent, the minister stressed the importance of transforming the African Standby Force (ASF) into a fully functional, adaptable, and strategically mobile force with reliable funding.
He also called for improved maritime surveillance and synchronized naval drills to protect vital sea routes in the Gulf of Guinea and the Red Sea.
The minister proposed the establishment of a structured follow-up system among participating defense entities to monitor joint training, intelligence consolidation, and industrial cooperation ventures to ensure that the discussions result in tangible results. He stated, "Africa's security destiny ultimately lies in the collective determination, capabilities, and strategic choices of African nations.
"Nigeria stands prepared to join forces with all partners in pursuit of a secure, united, and self-reliant continent." The meeting commended Nigeria for organizing the inaugural Defence Exhibition and pledged to ensure its continuity for the purpose of achieving security sovereignty.
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