Defence Minister Visits China to Deepen Military Cooperation, Drive Technology Transfer

Defence Minister Visits China to Deepen Military Cooperation, Drive Technology Transfer

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd.), has embarked on a high-level working visit to China aimed at strengthening defence and security cooperation, accelerating technology transfer and expanding Nigeria’s indigenous military production capacity through the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).

The week-long visit is expected to deepen strategic defence ties between Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China while supporting ongoing efforts to modernise the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) and enhance the country’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

Leading a high-powered Nigerian delegation in Beijing, the minister said the Federal Government is committed to leveraging strategic international partnerships to transform Nigeria from a consumer of defence equipment into a producer through technology transfer and local manufacturing.

According to him, the government is also pursuing the integration of emerging technologies and artificial intelligence into Nigeria’s national security architecture to strengthen the Armed Forces’ capacity to counter evolving asymmetric threats.

“Our focus is clear: we are committed to partnerships that do not just make Nigeria a consumer, but an active producer. Through DICON, we will expand local production lines, drive absolute technology transfer, and achieve sustainable self-reliance in defence manufacturing to secure our nation,” the minister said.

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

The minister also visited the headquarters and exhibition centre of the China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO Group), one of China’s leading defence manufacturers.

During the visit, the delegation inspected a range of military hardware, including land combat platforms, advanced artillery systems, specialised ammunition and integrated defence solutions.

General Musa later held a closed-door bilateral meeting with the President and senior executives of NORINCO, where discussions centred on technology transfer, technical capacity building and the establishment of joint defence production lines in Nigeria in partnership with DICON.

The proposed collaboration is expected to enhance local manufacturing capabilities, reduce dependence on imported military equipment and strengthen Nigeria’s defence industrial base.

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

Dambazau assured the delegation of the embassy’s full diplomatic support throughout the mission, noting that the engagement would further advance Nigeria’s defence and strategic interests in China.

The minister also visited the embassy’s Defence Section, where he met with Defence Attachés and staff, commending their professionalism and dedication to promoting Nigeria’s military diplomacy across Asia.

He urged them to continue representing the country’s interests with integrity and excellence.

The Ministry of Defence said the working visit is expected to deliver both immediate and long-term benefits for Nigeria through enhanced military capabilities, equipment modernisation, sustainable defence logistics and supply chains, industrial growth, strategic self-reliance and stronger bilateral defence cooperation with China.

The visit forms part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to build a modern, technologically advanced and self-sustaining defence sector capable of meeting Nigeria’s current and future security challenges.

By PRNigeria