The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, welcomed the Chinese Deputy Commander of the People’s Liberation Army, Lieutenant General Jia Zhigang, to the Defence Headquarters in Abuja today.
Lieutenant General Zhigang is in Nigeria on the invitation of the Chief of Air Staff for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) 60th Year anniversary celebrations.
During the meeting, Lieutenant General Zhigang expressed his gratitude for the invitation and commended the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) for their efforts in combating terrorism, insurgency, and other criminal activities.
He emphasized the importance of greater cooperation in research, innovation, and the development of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), as well as the training of younger Nigerian Air Force officers.
General Musa welcomed Lieutenant General Zhigang and his team, highlighting the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and China.
He expressed appreciation for China’s support in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and insurgency and lauded China’s advancements in military hardware production.
The CDS called for enhanced military technology to bolster the AFN’s capabilities and assured Lieutenant General Zhigang of Nigeria’s readiness to engage in exchange and training programs with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
General Musa also voiced his desire for the establishment of Chinese-owned companies in Nigeria to produce military hardware locally, further strengthening the bilateral military cooperation between the two nations.
The visit marks a significant step in fostering closer military ties and collaboration between Nigeria and China, particularly in areas of technological advancement and capacity building within the armed forces.
LV