Nigeria, Pakistan deepen defence ties with focus on local tech, drone development

Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening defence cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, with a focus on advancing local manufacturing and drone technology.

This was revealed during a meeting in Abuja between Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, and a high-level Pakistani delegation led by General Shahir Shamsad.

The meeting, held at Ship House, the Defence Headquarters, marks a significant step towards deepening strategic collaboration between both nations.

In a statement signed by Sani Datti on behalf of the Director of Information and Public Relations, the Minister lauded Pakistan’s cost-effective and homegrown counter-terrorism strategies, citing them as a model Nigeria could emulate.

“The history of cooperation between Nigeria and Pakistan provides a solid foundation for expanding collaboration in the defence sector,” Badaru said.

He underscored the importance of partnerships built on mutual respect, free from external pressure or coercion.

He emphasized the need to elevate bilateral relations, particularly in key areas such as drone technology and the development of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), with a view to bolstering local production and innovation in military hardware.

General Shamsad, in his remarks, praised DICON’s progress in producing indigenous military equipment and described Nigeria as a major player on the African continent with strategic value to Pakistan.

He stressed that enhanced cooperation would be mutually beneficial, especially in combating shared security threats.

The visit signals a new chapter in Nigeria-Pakistan defence relations, with both countries aiming to harness their respective strengths to improve security and promote technological advancement.