The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), OFR, has commenced a strategic working visit to the People’s Republic of China aimed at deepening defence cooperation, accelerating the modernisation of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), and expanding the country’s indigenous defence manufacturing capacity through the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).
Leading a high-powered Nigerian delegation in Beijing, the Minister is holding a series of high-level diplomatic and industrial engagements focused on strengthening bilateral defence and security ties between Nigeria and China.
Speaking during the visit, General Musa said the Federal Government is committed to transforming Nigeria from a consumer of defence equipment into a producer by leveraging strategic partnerships, technology transfer and local manufacturing.
“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.
He noted that Nigeria’s proactive strategy of integrating emerging technologies and artificial intelligence into its national security architecture would ensure the Armed Forces remain ahead of evolving asymmetric threats.
The Minister began the working visit at the Innovation Centre of the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC), where discussions centred on emerging defence technologies and innovation.
As part of efforts to enhance Nigeria’s defence industrial base, the delegation also visited the headquarters and exhibition centre of the China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO Group), one of China’s leading defence manufacturers.
During the tour, the delegation examined NORINCO’s extensive range of land combat platforms, advanced artillery systems, specialised ammunition and integrated defence solutions.
General Musa later held a closed-door bilateral meeting with the President and senior executives of NORINCO, where discussions focused on technology transfer, technical capacity development and the establishment of joint defence production lines in Nigeria in collaboration with DICON.
The Nigerian delegation also visited the Nigerian Embassy in Beijing, where they were received by Nigeria’s Ambassador to China, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (Rtd).
Ambassador Dambazau described the Minister’s visit as timely and strategic, noting that it would further strengthen the geopolitical and defence partnership between Nigeria and China. He assured the delegation of the embassy’s full diplomatic support throughout the week-long mission.
During a tour of the embassy’s Defence Section, General Musa met with Defence Attachés and embassy staff, commending their professionalism and dedication to advancing Nigeria’s defence diplomacy in Asia.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the visit is expected to deliver both immediate and long-term benefits for Nigeria’s national security through enhanced military capabilities, equipment modernisation, sustainable logistics and supply chains, increased local defence production, industrial growth, strategic self-reliance and stronger bilateral relations between Nigeria and China.
The visit forms part of the Federal Government’s broader agenda to strengthen Nigeria’s defence architecture by promoting indigenous military production, building local technical expertise and reducing dependence on foreign defence imports through strategic international partnerships.