*SPECIAL REPORT*
By George OZALLA
The African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit, held from August 25 to 27, 2025, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, Nigeria, heralded a milestone in Africa’s pursuit of collective security and defence cooperation. The landmark event brought together top military brass from across the continent to discuss shared strategies for addressing Africa’s security challenges.
The summit, attended by 53-54 African countries, including Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Republic, demonstrated the commitment of African nations to work together despite strained political relationships with some regional blocs like ECOWAS. The event kicked off with the registration of attendees, arrival of special guests and VIPs, national anthem, AU anthem, safety and venue orientation brief, keynote address, and opening remarks.
Over the next two days, plenary sessions, business roundtable, tea breaks, lunch, and a tour of exhibition stands were held. The summit covered four thematic areas, including initiating discussions on collective strategies for African security issues, facilitating collaborative response to peace and security issues in Africa, developing mechanisms for integrating the private sector into Africa’s defence efforts, and establishing a roundtable for the initiation of homegrown solutions to Africa’s defence needs.
A defence exhibition was held concurrently with the summit at the Main Hall of the Bola Ahmed International Conference Centre, showcasing Africa’s defence capabilities and innovations. The summit culminated in a press conference addressed by the Chairman of the summit planning committee, Air Vice Marshal Precious Amadi, and other dignitaries. A gala night was also held on August 27 at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, with a dress code of business formal (jacket with tie).
General Christopher Gwabin Musa, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, conceptualized the African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit as a premier platform for dialogue on shared defence and security mechanisms. His emphasis on African-led solutions to the continent’s security challenges highlighted the importance of collective action and cooperation. Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, commended General Musa’s leadership and vision in organizing the summit, stressing the need for Africa to invest in cutting-edge technologies, particularly in cyber defence. He also emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation in addressing the continent’s security challenges.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu granted approval for the Defence Headquarters to host the summit, underscoring Nigeria’s serious commitment to strengthening defence cooperation across Africa. Air Vice Marshal Precious Amadi spotlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing contemporary security threats and showcased Africa’s defence capabilities through the defence exhibition.
The summit was indeed a resounding success from planning stage to execution, marking a new era for continental security cooperation and defence collaboration. The well attended summit equally demonstrated the commitment of African nations to work together in addressing the continent’s security challenges and paved the way for a more secure and prosperous Africa. The Summit is expected to continue in other African locations, since security issue is dynamic.
General Christopher Gwabin Musa’s leadership style is squarely laced with effective collaboration, strategic defence planning, and innovative problem-solving. His vision for the African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit which has successfully brought together top military brass from across the continent, and other critical stakeholders fostering a spirit of cooperation and collective action in addressing Africa’s security challenges is quite commendable.
