BILATERAL COLLABORATION: MATAWALLE IN HIGH-LEVEL MEETING IN CHINA TO BOLSTER NIGERIAN DEFENCE CAPABILITIES

In a significant move to enhance Nigeria’s defence capabilities, the Honourable Minister of State  for  Defence Bello Muhammed Matawalle has participated in a high-level security meeting with a leading Chinese manufacturer of advanced anti-terrorism and high-tech defence equipments.

The primary focus of this engagement was to formalize a collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Chinese firm and the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria. The partnership is expected to play a crucial role in advancing Nigeria’s security sector.

In a statement made available to newsmen Director of Information and Public Relations Jeff Amaka Promise the Chinese company has committed to investing in Nigeria’s defence infrastructure, with a comprehensive partnership that includes:

• Technology Transfer: Facilitating the transfer of cutting-edge defence technology to Nigeria.

• Local Production: Establishing local manufacturing capabilities for advanced military equipment.

• Capacity Building: Providing technical knowledge exchange to enhance the skills of Nigerian personnel.

Furthermore Matawalle,highlighted key areas of collaboration to  include the maintenance and upgrading of existing military hardware, servicing of battle tanks, and offering military engineering services. Importantly, the partnership aims to extend its reach beyond Nigeria, providing military support services to neighbouring African countries and contributing to regional security and stability.

He emphasized that the landmark engagement represents a major advancement in Nigeria’s defence modernization agenda. 

He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to building a self-reliant, technologically advanced, and globally competitive military-industrial base.

In addition to these initiatives, the agreement encompasses the construction of new production lines for various ammunition types, including:

• 7.62×51mm ball cartridges

• 7.62×51mm blank cartridges

• 9×19mm pistol cartridges

• Machine gun ammunition

Furthermore, new manufacturing workshops and facilities will be established in Kaduna and Kachia, Kaduna State, for the production of brass casings, bullet jackets, and other essential defence components.

“This initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for a comprehensive renewal and strategic overhaul of Nigeria’s security and defence capabilities,” he stated.