Signs MoU to facilitate investment in defence infrastructure, others
Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, is participating in a high-level security meeting with a leading Chinese manufacturer of advanced anti-terrorism and high-tech defence equipment to enhance Nigeria’s defence capabilities.

The meeting took place in China and aimed to strengthen strategic defence ties between Nigeria and China.

The focus of the engagement was to formalise collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Chinese firm and the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).

The partnership is also expected to play a crucial role in advancing Nigeria’s security sector.

Under the terms of the MoU, the Chinese firm has committed to investing in Nigeria’s defence infrastructure, with a comprehensive partnership that includes facilitating the transfer of cutting-edge defence technology to Nigeria, establishing local manufacturing capabilities for advanced military equipment and providing technical knowledge exchange to enhance the skills of Nigerian personnel.

Matawalle highlighted key areas of the collaboration to include the maintenance and upgrading of existing military hardware, servicing of battle tanks, and offering military engineering services, adding that the partnership aims to extend its reach beyond Nigeria by providing military support services to neighbouring African countries and contributing to regional security and stability.

He stated that the landmark engagement represents a major advancement in Nigeria’s defence modernisation agenda.

He also reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to building a self-reliant, technologically advanced, and globally competitive military-industrial base.