Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have formalised a new defence and military partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to enhance collaboration between the two nations.
This was disclosed in statement issued by Enderline Chukwu, Assistant Director (Information and PR), on behalf of the Director of Information and Public Relations.
The agreement was signed on Tuesday, 9 December 2025, by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, and Saudi Arabia’s Assistant Minister of Defence for Executive Affairs, Dr. Khaled H. Al-Biyari.
Describing the MoU as a “significant milestone,” Dr. Matawalle noted that its conclusion marks the culmination of a long-standing effort to deepen bilateral defence relations. He stated that the agreement would strengthen Nigeria’s defence architecture and boost the capacity of the armed forces.
Under the terms of the MoU, the partnership will run for an initial period of five years, with the option for review and renewal for an additional term. Either country may terminate the agreement with a minimum of three months’ written notice through diplomatic channels.
The cooperation framework covers a wide range of defence and military activities, including training, joint exercises, technical support, intelligence sharing, logistics, and other mutually agreed areas.
The Ministry of Defence expects the MoU to deliver tangible benefits, particularly in the following areas:
• Capacity building: Expanded opportunities for training exchanges, specialised courses, and professional military education for Nigerian personnel.
• Operational efficiency: Improved readiness and interoperability through joint exercises and shared doctrine.
• Counter-terrorism: Strengthened collaboration in counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, intelligence exchange, and efforts to combat violent extremism and organised crime.
The Ministry described the agreement as a strategic tool that will advance Nigeria’s long-term security, stability, and defence modernisation objectives.
