Defence minister in China to drive tech transfer, local weapons production

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), has
said Nigeria’s proactive strategy to integrate emerging technologies and artificial intelligence into its national security architecture will ensure the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain ahead of modern asymmetric threats.

“Our focus is clear: we are committed to partnerships that do not just make Nigeria a consumer, but an active producer,” he said

A statement by media aide to the minister Leah Katung-Babatunde noted that he stated when led a delegation to China for high-level engagements on defence, security cooperation, and strategic partnership between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China.

He said the aim of the visit was to deepen bilateral defence cooperation, fast-track the modernization of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), and radically boost Nigeria’s local military production capabilities.

According to the minister, through DICON, we will expand local production lines, drive absolute technology transfer, and achieve sustainable self-reliance in defence manufacturing to secure our nation.

“In pursuit of defensive self-reliance, the Honourable Minister visited the Headquarters and Exhibition Centre of the renowned China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO Group).

“The delegation toured the exhibition, assessing NORINCO’s robust portfolio of land platforms, advanced artillery systems, specialized ammunition, and integrated defence solutions. Following the tour, General Musa (rtd) held a closed-door, high-level bilateral meeting with the President and Senior Executives of NORINCO.

“Discussions centered heavily on concrete technology transfer, technical capacity building, and establishing joint production lines in Nigeria in direct partnership with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON),” it said.

Meanwhile, at the Nigerian Embassy in Beijing,the delegation was received by Lt. General Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd) Nigeria’s Ambassador who commended the Minister’s timely visit, noting its pivotal role in cementing the strategic geopolitical relationship between Nigeria and China.

He pledged the Embassy’s unwavering diplomatic support in advancing Nigeria’s defence interests throughout the week-long mission.
During a subsequent tour of the Embassy’s Defence Section, General Musa (rtd) interacted with Defence Attachés and staff, praising their commitment to national service and urging them to remain stellar ambassadors of Nigeria’s military diplomacy in Asia.