Nigeria and Russia are taking their military cooperation to the next level, with ongoing discussions on a defense pact that could see the provision of training, supplies, and even a nuclear partnership. This development comes as Russia continues to expand its influence in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, the continent's largest economy.

The Russian Deputy Minister of Defense, Yunus-bek Yevkurov, and the Chief of Defense Staff of the Nigerian Army, Christopher Musa, recently met to discuss the expansion of a defense pact between the two countries. According to the Russian embassy, both parties expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far in their military-technical cooperation and explored ways to deepen their relationship in this area.

This move is not entirely new, as Nigeria and Russia signed an agreement in 2021 for the Russian military to provide training and supplies to its Nigerian counterpart. The latest development, however, suggests a significant escalation of their military cooperation, with potential implications for regional security dynamics.

Furthermore, Nigeria and Russia are also exploring a nuclear partnership, with talks underway since mid-February. The Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, revealed during an interview with the Russian newspaper Sputnik that the two countries are negotiating a potential partnership in nuclear energy, among other areas. This could see Russia providing Nigeria with nuclear technology and expertise, potentially paving the way for Nigeria to develop its own nuclear program.

Nigeria's membership in the BRICS group of nations, where Russia is a primary stakeholder, has likely facilitated this deepening of cooperation. Shortly after being accepted as a partner state into BRICS, Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs noted that the country would be bolstering its economic cooperation with other BRICS nations across different sectors.

The implications of this development are far-reaching, with potential consequences for regional security, economic cooperation, and even global geopolitics. As Russia continues to expand its influence in Africa, Nigeria's deepening military and economic ties with the country could have significant repercussions for the continent and beyond.

It remains to be seen how this development will play out in the coming months and years, but one thing is clear: Nigeria and Russia are committed to strengthening their military and economic cooperation, with potentially significant consequences for the region and the world.