The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), has led a high-level Nigerian delegation to the People’s Republic of China to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation, accelerate the modernisation of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), and advance local military production through strategic technology transfer.
According to an official statement signed by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Defence, Leah Katung-Babatunde, the week-long visit is focused on deepening defence and security cooperation between Nigeria and China while positioning the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) as a major hub for indigenous defence manufacturing.
During engagements in Beijing, General Musa said the Federal Government is committed to integrating emerging technologies and artificial intelligence into Nigeria’s national security architecture to enhance the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces against evolving asymmetric 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 during a visit to the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) Innovation Centre.
As part of efforts to advance Nigeria’s defence industrialisation agenda, the delegation also visited the headquarters and exhibition centre of the China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO Group), where they inspected a range of advanced land platforms, artillery systems, specialised ammunition, and integrated defence solutions.
The Minister later held a closed-door bilateral meeting with NORINCO’s President and senior executives, with discussions focusing on technology transfer, technical capacity building, and the establishment of joint production lines in Nigeria in partnership with DICON.
At the Nigerian Embassy in Beijing, the delegation was received by Nigeria’s Ambassador to China, Lieutenant General 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 in advancing Nigeria’s defence objectives throughout the mission.
General Musa also toured the Embassy’s Defence Section, where he met with Defence Attachés and staff, commending their dedication to duty and urging them to continue promoting Nigeria’s defence diplomacy across Asia.
The Ministry said the visit is expected to deliver both immediate and long-term benefits for Nigeria through enhanced military capabilities, improved logistics and supply chains, expanded local defence production, greater strategic self-reliance, and stronger bilateral relations with China.
