NIGERIA, CHINA DEEPEN DEFENCE TIES, PUSH LOCAL MILITARY PRODUCTION
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
The Federal Government has moved to strengthen Nigeria’s defence partnership with China as part of efforts to modernise the Armed Forces and boost local production of military equipment.
Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), is leading a Nigerian delegation on a working visit to China, where discussions have focused on technology transfer, artificial intelligence and joint defence production.
Musa said the government aims to strengthen the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and reduce the country’s dependence on imported military equipment. The delegation also held talks with major Chinese defence and technology companies on establishing production lines and building technical capacity in Nigeria.
The government said the partnership is expected to improve Nigeria’s military capabilities, strengthen defence manufacturing and promote greater self-reliance in addressing emerging security threats.