Nigeria and Ghana have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening regional defence cooperation and advancing indigenous military capacity as part of efforts to enhance security across West Africa.

This formed the focus when the defence ministry received a delegation from the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Senior Course 47, on a study tour to Nigeria, said a statement by the ministry on Thursday.

Speaking at the meeting, the ministry’s permanent secretary, Richard Pheelangwa, said the visit was aimed at promoting professional exchange and strengthening regional collaboration.

Mr Pheelangwa noted that Nigeria and Ghana occupy strategic positions in West Africa and must continue to build strong partnerships to address common security challenges. He said Nigeria was working assiduously to ensure peace and stability within the country and across Africa, stressing that a robust defence sector was critical to the continent’s growth and development.

The permanent secretary also highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at boosting local defence production, including the re-enactment of the DICON Act, expansion of public-private partnerships and increased collaboration with indigenous and foreign defence industries.

An official of the ministry, Fatima Mowarin, said efforts were underway to address key challenges such as inadequate funding, reliance on foreign technology and constraints in sourcing local raw materials.

She added that the Nigerian government was pursuing initiatives to revitalise local steel production and strengthen technology transfer agreements with international partners.

Responding, the leader of the delegation, Fiifi Deegbe, commended Nigeria for its transparency and commitment to indigenous defence development.

Mr Deegbe said the delegation’s visits to military formations and service headquarters had provided valuable insights into Nigeria’s operational and industrial capabilities. He expressed optimism that ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s defence sector would contribute significantly to Africa’s broader military advancement.

A representative of the course, Kuntu Blankson, said the college looked forward to sustained collaboration with Nigeria in the areas of training and knowledge sharing.

The meeting underscored the growing emphasis on regional synergy, local capacity development and collective security as African nations confront evolving threats.

(NAN)