By Nkechi Eze
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, has led a Nigerian delegation to the Czech Republic to strengthen defence industrial cooperation and secure technology transfer for Nigeria’s defence manufacturing sector.
According to an official statement signed by Queeneth Iheoma-Hart, Chief Information Officer, Information and Public Relations, the three-day working visit is focused on deepening collaboration between Nigeria and the Czech Republic, particularly in strengthening the production capacity of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).
Matawalle, who led senior officials of the Ministry of Defence, DICON and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), attended the Czech Air Force Day/Air Show and Defence Exhibition in Ostrava, where modern and heavy military equipment produced by the Czech defence industry was showcased.
On the sidelines of the exhibition, the minister held a bilateral meeting with his Czech counterpart, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Lt. Gen. Jaromír Zuna (Rtd.), where they discussed ways to strengthen the existing strategic partnership between both countries.
A major focus of the discussions was the expansion of DICON’s capacity to manufacture military hardware locally, with Matawalle specifically seeking Czech support for the establishment of an ammunition production line in Nigeria.
The minister also raised the issue of Transfer of Technology (ToT), particularly in the production of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and other military hardware, as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s indigenous defence production capabilities.
In response, Zuna expressed delight over Matawalle’s visit and assured the Nigerian delegation of the Czech Republic’s readiness to collaborate with and support Nigeria in enhancing DICON’s defence production capabilities, including the transfer of relevant technologies.
The statement said Matawalle is also scheduled to tour several defence and security industrial complexes across the Czech Republic as part of the visit.
