Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd), has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to acquiring advanced technologies and artificial intelligence to strengthen the country’s security architecture and counter evolving asymmetric threats.
Musa made the remarks during a high-level working visit to China, where he is leading a Nigerian delegation in discussions aimed at expanding defence cooperation and strategic ties between Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde, the visit is designed to deepen bilateral defence collaboration, accelerate the modernisation of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), and boost local military production.
Addressing officials during a visit to the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) Innovation Centre, Musa stressed Nigeria’s determination to move beyond importing defence equipment.
“Our focus is clear; we are committed to partnerships that do not just make Nigeria a consumer, but an active producer,” he said.
The Minister added that the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) would play a central role in expanding domestic production capacity.
“Through DICON, we will expand local production lines, drive absolute technology transfer, and achieve sustainable self-reliance in defence manufacturing to secure our nation,” Musa stated.
The delegation also visited the headquarters and exhibition centre of China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO), where they inspected a range of military hardware, including armoured platforms, artillery systems, ammunition, and integrated defence technologies.
Musa later held a closed-door meeting with NORINCO executives, focusing on technology transfer, technical expertise development, and plans to establish joint defence production facilities in Nigeria in partnership with DICON.
As part of the visit, the Minister met Nigeria’s Ambassador to China, Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (Rtd), at the Nigerian Embassy in Beijing. Dambazau described the visit as significant for strengthening the strategic relationship between both countries and pledged the Embassy’s support for Nigeria’s defence objectives.
Musa also toured the Embassy’s Defence Section, where he commended Defence Attachés and other personnel for their service, urging them to continue promoting Nigeria’s military and diplomatic interests in the region.
The week-long engagement is expected to enhance Nigeria’s defence capabilities through improved equipment modernisation, stronger logistics and supply chains, expanded local defence manufacturing, and greater strategic self-reliance.
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