Badaru holds talks with China on defence technology cooperation at Xiangshan forum
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has met with China’s Minister of the Department of Equipment and Development, Air Chief Marshal Xu Xueqiang, to deepen bilateral cooperation in defence technology.
The meeting took place in Beijing on the sidelines of the 12th Xiangshan Forum, a global platform for defence and security dialogue.
The high-level engagement centred on strengthening Nigeria’s indigenous military production capacity and advancing technology transfer in critical areas of defence.
Both delegations also explored opportunities for enhanced industrial collaboration between Nigerian and Chinese defence manufacturers, alongside measures to build technical and institutional capacity in Nigeria’s defence sector.
Discussions extended to cooperative training, exchange programmes, joint projects, and other initiatives aimed at improving interoperability between the two countries’ defence institutions.
The parties further agreed to identify areas where technology transfer can be achieved sustainably, in line with Nigerian laws and international obligations.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the meeting underscored Nigeria’s commitment to practical, transparent and mutually beneficial partnerships that not only enhance the nation’s military capabilities but also contribute to its economic and technological development.
Both sides resolved to assign relevant agencies the task of conducting technical studies and developing concrete proposals, with the prospect of formal agreements where necessary.
The Xiangshan Forum, now in its 12th edition, gathers defence ministers, senior military officers, and security experts from around the world to deliberate on pressing global and regional security issues.
Nigeria’s participation reflects its growing engagement in international defence diplomacy and its drive to build stronger capacities through strategic partnerships.
