Nigeria's Defence Minister Visits China to Boost Tech Transfer

The Nigerian Minister of Defence, Christoph Gwabin Musa (rtd), led a high-level delegation to Beijing to strengthen the defence partnership between Nigeria and China. The visit aimed to deepen bilateral defence cooperation and fast-track the modernization of Nigeria's armed forces.

Minister Musa emphasized the integration of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, into Nigeria's national security architecture. He highlighted the commitment to not only consume but also produce military equipment locally through DICON, which will expand its product line and achieve sustainable self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

During the visit, the delegation toured the headquarters of the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) and the exhibition center of the China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO), assessing their advanced artillery systems and defence solutions. Minister Musa held closed-door meetings with senior executives from NORINCO to discuss technology transfer and establishing joint production lines in Nigeria.

The Nigerian Embassy in Beijing, represented by Ambassador Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd), supported the minister's mission, emphasizing its strategic importance.