By our Correspondent
Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), has led a high-level delegation to the People’s Republic of China, aimed at deepening bilateral defence cooperation, accelerating the modernisation of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and advancing local military production through strategic technology transfer.
In a statement issued by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister, Leah Katung-Babatunde, the engagement focused on expanding defence and security collaboration between Nigeria and China, with particular emphasis on repositioning the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) as a leading hub for indigenous defence manufacturing.
At high-level meetings in Beijing, General Musa reiterated the Federal Government’s resolve to integrate emerging technologies and artificial intelligence into Nigeria’s national security architecture, to bolster the operational readiness of the Armed Forces in confronting evolving asymmetric threats.
“Our focus is clear, we are seeking for partnerships that transform Nigeria from a mere consumer into a proactive producer,” the Minister noted during a visit to the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) Innovation Centre.
The Minister stressed that through DICON, Nigeria can scale up local production lines, secure full-spectrum technology transfer, and attain sustainable self-reliance in defence manufacturing to safeguard our nation.
According to the statement, the delegation toured the headquarters and exhibition centre of the China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO Group), where they assessed an array of advanced land platforms, artillery systems, specialised ammunition, and integrated defence solutions.
The statement further said the Minister also held a closed-door bilateral session with NORINCO’s President and senior executives, during which discussions centred on technology transfer, technical capacity development, and the establishment of joint production facilities in Nigeria, in collaboration with DICON.
As part of the visit, the Minister and his team were also at the Nigerian Embassy in Beijing, where Nigeria’s Ambassador to China, Lieutenant General Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd), received them. In his remarks, the Ambassador hailed the visit as both timely and consequential in reinforcing the strategic ties between both nations.
He assured the team of the Embassy’s unwavering diplomatic support in advancing Nigeria’s defence priorities throughout the mission.
General Musa also visited the Embassy’s Defence Section section, where he engaged with the Defence Attaché and staff, lauding their professionalism and encouraging them to sustain Nigeria’s defence diplomacy outreach across Asia. (GSF)
