Bomba Dauda
The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), OFR, has led a high-level Nigerian delegation to Beijing, China, to strengthen defence and security cooperation, with a major focus on technology transfer and boosting local military manufacturing through the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).
The week-long working visit is aimed at deepening bilateral defence relations between Nigeria and China, accelerating the modernization of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), and enhancing the country’s capacity for local production of defence equipment.
Speaking during engagements at the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) Innovation Centre, General Musa said Nigeria is committed to integrating emerging technologies and artificial intelligence into its national security architecture to effectively tackle evolving security 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 stated.
As part of the visit, the delegation also toured the headquarters and exhibition centre of the China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO Group), where they assessed a range of advanced military platforms, artillery systems, ammunition and integrated defence solutions.
General Musa later held a closed-door meeting with NORINCO’s President and senior executives, with discussions focusing on technology transfer, technical capacity development and the establishment of joint defence production lines in Nigeria in partnership with DICON.
At the Nigerian Embassy in Beijing, the delegation was received by Nigeria’s Ambassador to China, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd), who described the visit as timely and significant in strengthening the strategic relationship between both countries. He assured the delegation of the Embassy’s full diplomatic support throughout the mission.
The Minister also visited the Embassy’s Defence Section, where he met with Defence Attachés and staff, commending their dedication to promoting Nigeria’s defence interests and encouraging them to continue serving as effective ambassadors of the country’s military diplomacy in Asia.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the visit is expected to deliver both immediate and long-term benefits through enhanced military capabilities, equipment modernization, sustainable logistics and supply chains, industrial and economic growth, strategic self-reliance in defence production, and stronger bilateral relations between Nigeria and China.
