By General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, has paid high tribute to Nigeria, recognizing its significant role as a dominant regional power and a crucial pillar of stability on the African continent. This commendation was delivered during a high-level courtesy visit to the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, at the NAF Headquarters in Abuja.
According to a statement released by the NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, General Mirza emphasized the considerable strength, national pride, and substantial influence wielded by Nigeria’s military, both within the African continent and beyond its borders. General Mirza explicitly stated, “Nigeria is a regional power – a force to be reckoned with,” underscoring Pakistan’s profound respect for Nigeria’s military capabilities.
He further conveyed that Pakistan holds the professionalism and resilience demonstrated by the Nigerian Armed Forces in very high regard, and deeply respects Nigeria’s pivotal role in actively promoting peace and security within the region. This visit served to highlight the enduring and robust defense cooperation that exists between the two nations, with both military leaders underscoring their shared experiences in critical areas such as counter-terrorism operations, peacekeeping missions, and the development of strategic military capabilities.
During their discussions, General Mirza provided insights into Pakistan’s advancements in defense manufacturing, showcasing a range of capabilities including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), both trainer and combat aircraft, and sophisticated anti-aircraft systems. He also extended a formal invitation to Air Marshal Abubakar to visit Pakistan, aiming to facilitate continued strategic dialogue and further strengthen the existing military ties between the two countries.
In response, Air Marshal Abubakar warmly welcomed the Pakistani delegation and acknowledged the significant contributions that Pakistan has made to the development of Nigeria’s air power capabilities. He stated, “The Nigerian Air Force has benefited tremendously from our defense partnership with Pakistan – particularly in areas such as pilot training, aircraft acquisition, and logistics,” highlighting the tangible benefits of their ongoing collaboration.
The CAS also pointed out a wide array of opportunities available within Nigeria, including its well-regarded military training institutions, which could offer valuable benefits and resources to Pakistan. He expressed a strong interest in deepening cooperation in key areas such as advanced pilot training programs, joint research and development initiatives (R&D), and cutting-edge aircraft technology, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to achieving self-reliance through innovation and strategic international partnerships.
Both high-ranking military leaders reaffirmed their shared vision for even stronger bilateral defense ties in the future. Key topics of discussion included continued engagements concerning significant aircraft platforms such as the JF-17 Thunder and the Super Mushshak, which are central to Nigeria’s ongoing military modernization goals. They also expressed optimism for a future characterized by deeper strategic cooperation, enhanced technological exchange, and a mutual commitment to collective security development, emphasizing the paramount importance of mutual trust, shared values, and sustained dialogue in effectively addressing global challenges and promoting lasting regional stability.
