Nigeria and Brazil have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral defence cooperation during the Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism, held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja today, Tuesday, 24th-June-2025

Speaking at the high-level session, Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, highlighted four key areas of focus for enhanced collaboration: maritime security, joint training and capacity building, defence industry and technology transfer, and intelligence sharing.

Describing the Dialogue as more than a diplomatic formality, Badaru stated, “This engagement reaffirms our shared vision for peace, security, and sustainable development.” He praised the longstanding and mutually respectful relationship between both countries, noting their roles as regional powers committed to global security.

A statement by Matti Ali, Personal Assistant to the Minister on Media and Publicly, has it that the Minister underscored the strategic significance of the Gulf of Guinea, calling for intensified joint efforts to combat piracy, trafficking, and other transnational maritime threats. He also acknowledged Brazil’s leadership within the Zone of Peace and Cooperation of the South Atlantic (ZOPACAS) and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to active participation in the upcoming Ninth Ministerial Meeting in Brazil.

On industrial collaboration, Badaru invited Brazil to explore opportunities with Nigeria’s Defence Industries Corporation (DICON) in areas such as technology transfer, co-production, and direct investment.

He also emphasized the importance of expanding intelligence-sharing efforts, particularly in combating drug trafficking and terrorism financing.

Badaru commended both nations’ Ministries of Foreign Affairs and expressed appreciation for the leadership of Vice Presidents Kashim Shettima (Nigeria) and Geraldo Alckmin (Brazil) in advancing the initiative.

“The path ahead is promising. Let us sustain this partnership with vision, purpose, and shared commitment to regional stability,” he said

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have arrested a former Chief Financial Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, Umar Isa.

The arrest was in connection with an alleged $7.2bn fraud linked to the rehabilitation of the Kaduna, Warri, and Port Harcourt refineries.

It would be recalled that some officials of the NNPC are being investigated for the alleged mismanagement of funds earmarked for the overhaul of these facilities.

The total amount under investigation is $2,956,872,622.36.

Specifically, the EFCC is probing the disbursement of $1,559,239,084.36 allocated to the Port Harcourt refinery, $740,669,600 released for the Kaduna refinery, and $656,963,938 approved for the Warri refinery.

Isa is  reportedly being investigated for alleged abuse of office, and corruption, among other offences.

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Air Peace, Nigeria’s leading airline, has acquired the massive Embraer 190 plane to further expand its fleet for more efficient service to the flying public.

The aircraft, bearing registration 5N-CEF, touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, at exactly 19:38 on Sunday, June 22, 2025.

Speaking with newsmen, the airline’s spokesperson, Osifo-Whiskey Efe, disclosed that the newly acquired aircraft is a 118-seater and the first of its type in the carrier’s growing fleet portfolio. He revealed that another unit is expected to arrive next month, further reinforcing the airline’s strategic expansion plan to bolster both domestic and regional operations.

“This aircraft type brings a new dimension to our service offerings. It is designed for efficiency, eco-friendly installations, and passenger comfort, such as a 2-2 seating layout, quiet and spacious cabin, making it the ideal fit for many of our routes. It enables us to connect more cities seamlessly and serve underserved destinations with the right capacity,” Osifo-Whiskey noted.

He reiterated the airline’s commitment to easing the burden of air travel in Nigeria by continually investing in the right aircraft for its expansive network.

With a fleet of over 30 aircraft, Air Peace has remained at the forefront of West Africa’s aviation space. As of May 2025, the airline recorded an average on-time performance of 85% across its domestic network, a testament to its operational reliability and service delivery promise.

Looking ahead into the third quarter, Air Peace says it is optimistic about its growth trajectory. The airline plans to open new domestic routes, expand regional reach, launch more international destinations, and continue strategic fleet acquisition to meet growing passenger demand.