Nigeria and Egypt Strengthen Defence Cooperation

Nigeria is advancing its defence industrial cooperation with Egypt, focusing on technology transfer, joint production, and the potential establishment of an ammunition production line within Nigeria. This initiative followed a two-day visit by a high-level Nigerian defence delegation led by Dr Bello Muhammed Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence.

The delegation included representatives from various military branches and agencies, such as the Ministry of Defence, Defence Headquarters, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Office of the National Security Adviser, Defence Intelligence Agency, and Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON). The delegation assessed Egypt's defence manufacturing capabilities at Eagle International for Defence Systems Company in Suez, aiming to identify areas for collaboration.

Discussions with the Egyptian Ministry of Military Production focused on establishing an ammunition production line in Nigeria, which could enhance Nigeria's military self-reliance and reduce dependence on external suppliers. Dr Matawalle characterized the engagement as strategic, aligning with Nigeria's broader goals of developing a modern military-industrial complex.