Qatar’s Barzan Holdings seeks to deepen defence partnership with Nigeria

Havelsan and the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) in Lagos, establishing a framework for potential cooperation across defence and security technologies.

The signing follows Wednesday’s Türkiye–Nigeria industrial cooperation panel, which examined joint development, manufacturing, investment, technology transfer and skills development.

The agreement adds a formal cooperation framework to the industrial discussions taking place during the inaugural exhibition.

The MoU covers collaboration in command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR), simulation and training, unmanned and autonomous systems, information and communication technologies, integrated security solutions and cybersecurity.

Havelsan said the agreement would enable both organisations to explore technological cooperation, identify mutually beneficial projects, among othersand establish the groundwork Proforce Managing Director, Ade Ogundeyin, also called for collaboration between international manufacturers and Nigerian defence companies, identifying simulation, software integration, maintenance and autonomous systems as opportunities for local development.

Also, Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, identified investment, technology transfer and local technical expertise as priorities for expanding domestic capability.

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, held engagements with international delegations, including representatives from Poland, United States (U.S.), Africa Command and Italy, on defence technology, equipment requirements, training and operational cooperation.

The UK’s participation reinforced the connection between security cooperation, skills, innovation and trade.

MEANWHILE, Barzan Holdings, Qatar’s leading national defence and security company, has spotlighted its cutting-edge defence technologies and industrial capabilities at the 2026 AFRIDEX exhibition, as part of efforts to advance defence innovation, strengthen industry collaboration and support Nigeria’s evolving security needs.

The Regional General Manager for Africa at Barzan Holdings and Managing Director of DICON-SUR, Thamer Al Emadi, speaking during the exhibition, said the event provided an important platform to engage with key defence stakeholders, demonstrate the company’s technological capabilities and identify areas of collaboration aligned with Nigeria’s defence priorities.

Al Emadi noted that advanced technology remains a key focus to addressing evolving regional security threats and operational demands.

He added that Barzan Holdings is committed to supporting local industry through technological expertise, industrial cooperation and solutions tailored to Nigeria’s operational requirements.