Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has begun a high level visit to China aimed at strengthening defence cooperation and securing technology transfer to improve the country’s military capabilities against asymmetric threats.
The visit is focused on deepening strategic ties between Nigeria and China while accelerating the modernisation of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) through advanced defence technology, local production and capacity building.
Defence Minister Seeks Technology Transfer From China
During meetings with Chinese defence officials and leading defence manufacturers, the minister said Nigeria’s goal is to move beyond importing military equipment by developing its own defence production capacity.
“Our focus is clear. We are committed to partnerships that do not just make Nigeria a consumer but an active producer,” he said.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the visit is expected to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation and support the growth of Nigeria’s local defence industry.
Nigeria Plans to Expand Local Defence Production
The minister said the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) will play a central role in expanding local production of military equipment through technology transfer agreements with Chinese partners.
He explained that the government is seeking to establish joint production lines, increase local manufacturing and build technical expertise that will enable Nigeria to achieve greater self reliance in defence production.
The initiative is also expected to support the integration of emerging technologies and artificial intelligence into Nigeria’s national security architecture to counter evolving security threats.
Meetings With Chinese Defence Companies
As part of the visit, the Nigerian delegation toured the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) Innovation Centre and later visited the headquarters of the China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO Group).
The delegation inspected a range of military equipment, including land combat platforms, advanced artillery systems, specialised ammunition and integrated defence solutions.
During a closed door meeting with NORINCO executives, discussions focused on technology transfer, technical capacity development and the establishment of joint defence manufacturing facilities in Nigeria through DICON.
Nigeria, China Strengthen Defence Cooperation
The minister also visited the Nigerian Embassy in Beijing, where he met with Nigeria’s Ambassador to China, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (retd.).
The ambassador described the visit as an important step in strengthening the strategic relationship between Nigeria and China and pledged the embassy’s support for advancing Nigeria’s defence objectives.
The minister also met with Defence Attachés and embassy staff, encouraging them to continue promoting Nigeria’s military diplomacy across Asia.
Visit Aims to Modernise Armed Forces
The Ministry of Defence said the week long visit is expected to deliver both immediate and long term benefits for Nigeria’s security sector.
These include improved military capability, equipment modernisation, stronger logistics and supply systems, expanded local defence manufacturing and increased strategic self reliance.
Officials believe the planned partnerships will help position Nigeria to respond more effectively to emerging security challenges while reducing dependence on imported military equipment.
