Dr. Bello Matawalle, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, is currently in China for a high-level meeting aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s defence capabilities through a strategic partnership with a top Chinese defence firm.
The engagement marks a significant move to boost Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and insecurity by improving local manufacturing of military equipment and modernising the country’s defence infrastructure.
Jeff Promise, representing the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry of Defence, disclosed that the meeting seeks to formalise a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Chinese company and the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).
“This partnership is expected to play a crucial role in advancing Nigeria’s security sector,” Matawalle said.
Key Benefits of the Partnership
- Transfer of cutting-edge defence technology to Nigeria
- Local manufacturing of military hardware and ammunition
- Technical knowledge exchange to build capacity among Nigerian personnel
- Servicing and upgrading of military equipment, including battle tanks
- Military engineering services for Nigeria and other African countries
Under the MoU, the Chinese defence firm will invest in production facilities in Kaduna and Kachia, Kaduna State. These new sites will manufacture vital components such as 7.62×51mm and 9×19mm cartridges, machine gun ammunition, brass casings, and bullet jackets.
Matawalle described the agreement as a major milestone in Nigeria’s defence modernisation strategy, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to reposition the country’s security architecture.
He emphasised the broader vision of creating a self-reliant, technologically advanced, and globally competitive military-industrial base that will serve not only Nigeria but also neighbouring African countries.
The strategic collaboration also reflects Nigeria’s growing efforts to strengthen international security partnerships and reduce dependency on foreign defence suppliers.
