Defence Minister Leads Nigerian Delegation to China to Deepen Military Cooperation, Boost Local Defence Production

Defence Minister Leads Nigerian Delegation to China to Deepen Military Cooperation, Boost Local Defence Production

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), OFR, has led a high-level delegation to the People’s Republic of China for strategic engagements aimed at strengthening defence cooperation, accelerating the modernisation of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), and expanding the country’s local defence manufacturing capacity.

The week-long working visit focuses on enhancing bilateral defence relations between Nigeria and China through technology transfer, capacity building, military industrial cooperation and strategic security partnerships.

During the visit, General Musa said the Federal Government remains committed to integrating emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, into Nigeria’s national security architecture to enable the Armed Forces to effectively respond to evolving and asymmetric security threats.

According to the minister, the government’s vision is to transform Nigeria from a consumer of military hardware into a producer through stronger collaboration with international partners.

“Our objective is clear. We are pursuing partnerships that will make Nigeria not just a consumer of defence equipment but an active producer. Through the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), we intend to expand local production, facilitate technology transfer and strengthen our capacity for self-reliance in defence manufacturing,” he said.

As part of the visit, the Nigerian delegation toured the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) Innovation Centre, where discussions focused on advanced defence technologies and innovation.

The delegation also visited the headquarters and exhibition centre of the China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO Group), one of China’s leading defence manufacturers. The team inspected a range of military equipment, including land combat platforms, advanced artillery systems, specialised ammunition and integrated defence solutions.

General Musa later held a closed-door meeting with the President and senior executives of NORINCO, where both sides discussed practical areas of collaboration, including technology transfer, technical training and the establishment of joint production facilities in Nigeria in partnership with DICON.

At the Nigerian Embassy in Beijing, the delegation was received by Nigeria’s Ambassador to China, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (Rtd.), who described the visit as timely and significant in strengthening the strategic relationship between both countries.

The ambassador assured the delegation of the embassy’s full diplomatic support in advancing Nigeria’s defence and security interests throughout the mission.

General Musa also met with Defence Attachés and staff of the Nigerian Defence Section at the embassy, commending their dedication and urging them to continue promoting Nigeria’s military diplomacy and strategic interests across Asia.

The Ministry of Defence said the visit is expected to deliver both immediate and long-term benefits, including enhanced military capability, improved logistics and supply systems, increased local defence production, technology acquisition, industrial growth and stronger bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and China.

Defence Minister Leads Nigerian Delegation to China to Deepen Military Cooperation, Boost Local Defence Production