Nigeria seals defence deal with China to boost local capacity regional security
In a bold move to enhance Nigeria’s defence capabilities, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle is currently in China where he held a high-level meeting with a prominent Chinese manufacturer of advanced anti-terrorism and high-tech military equipment.
The meeting marked a significant step in deepening strategic defence relations between Nigeria and China, with a particular focus on developing Nigeria’s military-industrial base.
At the centre of this engagement was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Chinese defence firm and the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).
The agreement formalizes a far-reaching collaboration aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security sector through investment, innovation, and joint defence initiatives.
The partnership will facilitate the transfer of cutting-edge defence technology to Nigeria, support the establishment of local manufacturing plants for modern military equipment, and promote capacity building by equipping Nigerian personnel with advanced technical skills and knowledge.
These efforts are intended to reduce the country’s reliance on foreign military hardware while empowering local industries and professionals.
According to Matawalle, the collaboration also covers the maintenance and upgrading of existing military hardware, including the servicing of battle tanks and provision of engineering support for military operations.
Beyond Nigeria’s borders, the partnership will offer military support services to neighbouring African countries, thereby enhancing regional security and stability.
Describing the agreement as a landmark achievement, Matawalle said it represents a major milestone in Nigeria’s defence modernization agenda. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to building a self-sustaining, technologically advanced, and globally competitive military industry that can meet both national and regional demands.
Another key highlight of the MoU is the planned construction of new production lines for various types of ammunition. These will include 7.62×51mm ball cartridges, 7.62×51mm blank cartridges, 9×19mm pistol cartridges, and a range of machine gun ammunition.
The production capacity will be supported by the development of new workshops and facilities in Kaduna and Kachia, both in Kaduna State.
These sites will be used for manufacturing vital components such as brass casings and bullet jackets, further boosting Nigeria’s ability to produce and maintain its own defence supplies.
Matawalle noted that the agreement aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader vision for the country’s security sector, which seeks a comprehensive renewal and strategic overhaul of Nigeria’s defence capabilities through international partnerships and local innovation.
