The federal government said it has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with a leading Chinese manufacturers of advanced anti-terrorism and high-tech defence equipments in order to boost Nigeria’s defence capabilities.
To actualise this objective, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, participated in a high-level security meeting in China aimed at strengthening strategic defence ties between the two countries.
According to a press release signed by Jeff Amaka Promise for the Director of Information and Public Relations in the ministry, the primary focus of the engagement was to formalize a collaboration through the signing of an MoU between a Chinese firm and the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).
“This partnership is expected to play a crucial role in advancing Nigeria’s security sector,” it stated.
The MoU indicated that the Chinese company has committed to investing in Nigeria’s defence infrastructure with a comprehensive partnership.
The terms include technology transfer of cutting-edge defence technology to Nigeria, local production of advanced military equipment and, capacity building designed to provide “Technical knowledge exchange to enhance the skills of Nigerian personnel.”
Other key areas of collaboration include “The maintenance and upgrading of existing military hardware, servicing of battle tanks, and offering military engineering services.
“Importantly, this partnership aims to extend its reach beyond Nigeria, providing military support services to neighbouring African countries and contributing to regional security and stability,” it elaborated.
The minister emphasized that this landmark engagement represents a major advancement in Nigeria’s defence modernization agenda.
Furthermore, Matawalle l, according to the statement, reiterated the federal government’s commitment to building a “self-reliant, technologically advanced, and globally competitive military-industrial base.”
Other components of the agreement encompasses the construction of new production lines for various ammunition types, including: 7.62×51mm ball cartridges, 7.62×51mm blank cartridges, 9×19mm pistol cartridges and machine gun ammunition.
The new manufacturing workshops and facilities for the production of brass casings, bullet jackets, and other essential defence components will be located in Kaduna and Kachia, Kaduna State.
“This initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for a comprehensive renewal and strategic overhaul of Nigeria’s security and defence capabilities,” the minister stated.
