Nigeria has taken a major step toward strengthening its defence capabilities as the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON, held a high-level meeting in China with a top Chinese manufacturer of anti-terrorism and high-tech military equipment.
The strategic meeting, which culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Chinese firm and the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), marks a new chapter in Nigeria–China defence relations.
The agreement outlines a comprehensive partnership that includes technology transfer, the establishment of local manufacturing facilities for military equipment, and capacity building through technical knowledge exchange for Nigerian defence personnel. 
Dr. Matawalle revealed that the collaboration would also cover the maintenance and upgrade of existing military hardware, servicing of battle tanks, and provision of military engineering services.
The partnership is expected to expand its scope to support neighbouring African countries, thereby contributing to regional peace and stability. 
“This landmark engagement represents a significant leap forward in our defence modernization drive,” Matawalle stated, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to building a self-reliant and technologically advanced military-industrial complex.
The agreement also includes plans for new production lines to manufacture various ammunition types such as 7.62×51mm ball and blank cartridges, 9×19mm pistol cartridges, and machine gun rounds.
Additionally, new manufacturing facilities will be established in Kaduna and Kachia, Kaduna State, to produce brass casings, bullet jackets, and other critical defence components.
According to the Minister, the initiative is aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strategic vision for revamping Nigeria’s security architecture and enhancing its defence capabilities.
LV