Manny Ita –
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday received the President of Chad, Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja for high-level diplomatic talks centered on strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing regional security cooperation.
The visit underscores ongoing efforts by both countries to deepen collaboration in addressing shared challenges, particularly in the Lake Chad Basin region, which has been affected by insurgency, cross-border crime, and humanitarian pressures. The leaders reportedly engaged in extensive discussions on security coordination, intelligence sharing, and joint strategies to combat terrorism and transnational threats.
Nigeria and Chad share a long-standing relationship rooted in historical, economic, and cultural ties, with both nations playing key roles in regional stability through multilateral frameworks such as the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF). The meeting is expected to reinforce commitments to sustaining joint military operations and improving coordination among regional forces.
Beyond security, the discussions also covered opportunities to expand economic cooperation, including trade, infrastructure development, and cross-border commerce. Both leaders emphasized the importance of leveraging their geographical proximity to boost economic integration and facilitate smoother movement of goods and services between the two countries.
Diplomatic sources indicated that the talks also touched on energy cooperation, regional diplomacy, and broader African continental issues, including migration management and climate-related challenges affecting communities around the Lake Chad region.
President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working closely with neighbouring countries to promote peace and stability across West and Central Africa. He stressed that regional challenges require collective action and sustained partnerships among affected nations.
President Déby, on his part, expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s continued leadership role in regional peacekeeping and its support for Chad in security and development initiatives. He noted that stronger bilateral ties would contribute significantly to stabilising the region and improving the welfare of citizens in both countries.
The visit concluded with both leaders reaffirming their shared commitment to strengthening diplomatic relations and advancing mutual interests through continued dialogue and cooperation.
