The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday hosted a delegation from the National Defence College of the Ugandan Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) in Abuja as part of the delegation’s study tour to Nigeria.
The visit highlighted ongoing bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Uganda in defence collaboration, regional peace and security, and institutional capacity development.
The Ugandan delegation was received by senior ministry officials led by Ambassador Musa Sani Nuhu, Director of the Policy Research and Statistics Department; Ambassador Ali Gombe, Director of the African Affairs Department; and Brigadier General Lawal Idris, Defence Liaison Officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Ambassador Musa Sani Nuhu described the visit as a reflection of the enduring friendship and strategic partnership between both countries.
He also conveyed Nigeria’s condolences and solidarity to the governments and peoples of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo over the recent Ebola outbreak that reportedly claimed more than 130 lives. He prayed for the repose of the victims, speedy recovery of affected persons, and comfort for bereaved families.
In his remarks, Ambassador Ali Gombe reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Uganda and congratulated the country on its peaceful political transition.
The interactive session featured discussions on diplomacy, regional peace and security, terrorism, climate change, global power transition, regional cooperation, and Africa’s role in the evolving international order.
During the session, Brigadier General Lawal Idris presented a paper titled, “Adaptation to Global Power Transition: Nigeria in Perspective,” where he examined the implications of the emerging global order for Nigeria, Africa, and the sub-region.
He identified economic diversification, defence modernisation, technological advancement, regional cooperation, and human capital development as key strategies for African states in adapting to the emerging multipolar international system.
Discussions also focused on security challenges in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin regions, including terrorism, unconstitutional changes of government, and the need for multinational cooperation in tackling asymmetric threats.
Officials of the ministry reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to democratic governance, intelligence sharing, regional stability, and joint security operations under the framework of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
Participants further exchanged views on the impact of climate change, transhumance movements, youth unemployment, and maritime insecurity on peace and development across the region.
The Ugandan delegation expressed appreciation to the Nigerian government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Armed Forces for the warm reception and productive engagements during the visit.
The event ended with the exchange of gifts as symbols of friendship and goodwill between Nigeria and Uganda.
