Nigeria says it is entering a new era of military-industrial transformation as it signs a landmark defence technology agreement with a leading Chinese manufacturer, a move hoped to accelerate the country’s pursuit of self-reliance in arms production.
Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, who led the nation’s delegation to China where a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with the Chinese defence technology firm and the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), in what was being described as a long-term strategic partnership.
The pact is focusing on modernising Nigeria’s defence ecosystem through the integration of advanced technologies and locally-driven innovation.
Minister: Nigeria’s DICON signed defence tech deal
“This initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for a comprehensive renewal and strategic overhaul of Nigeria’s security and defence capabilities,” Matawalle says during the signing ceremony.
The agreement is anchored on a three-pronged approach that includes technology transfer, local production, and capacity building to equip Nigeria with the tools and expertise to strengthen its military autonomy.
According to the minister, the core of the agreement is a three-pronged approach:
• Technology Transfer: Facilitating the transfer of cutting-edge defence technology to Nigeria.
• Local Production: Establishing in-country manufacturing capacity for military-grade hardware.
• Capacity Building: Facilitating technical training and knowledge exchange to boost the expertise of Nigerian defence personnel.
As part of the deal, cutting-edge military technologies are being transferred to Nigeria, while local production capacity is being expanded to enable the domestic manufacturing of military-grade hardware. In addition, the agreement is providing avenues for technical training and knowledge exchange to deepen the skills of Nigerian defence personnel.
The agreement also covers upgrades, maintenance, and servicing of existing Nigerian military equipment, including battle tanks and weapons systems already in deployment across the countr
“This partnership aims to extend its reach beyond Nigeria, providing military support services to neighbouring African countries and contributing to regional security and stability,” Matawalle adds.
A major highlight of the collaboration is the planned construction of new ammunition production lines to manufacture a range of critical cartridges and machine gun ammunition. These include:
- 7.62×51mm ball cartridges
- 7.62×51mm blank cartridges
- 9×19mm pistol cartridges
- Machine gun ammunition
To support this industrial push, new manufacturing workshops are being established in Kaduna and Kachia, both in Kaduna State. These facilities are expected to produce essential components such as brass casings, bullet jackets, and other precision-engineered parts critical to modern arms production.
The Minister hails the agreement as a “landmark step” toward reducing Nigeria’s longstanding dependence on foreign arms imports. The partnership is being positioned as a catalyst for Nigeria’s defence industrial rebirth, with the potential to not only strengthen national security but also boost regional military support capabilities.
Matawalle emphasised that beyond new equipment, the deal also provides for the maintenance, upgrading, and servicing of existing military hardware, including battle tanks and weapons systems already in use by the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“this partnership aims to extend its reach beyond Nigeria, providing military support services to neighbouring African countries and contributing to regional security and stability,” the minister says.
A major component of the collaboration involves the construction of new production lines to manufacture critical ammunition types, including:
• 7.62×51mm ball cartridges
• 7.62×51mm blank cartridges
• 9×19mm pistol cartridges
• Machine gun ammunition
To support this industrial expansion, Matawalle highlighted that new manufacturing workshops will be developed in Kaduna and Kachia, Kaduna State. These facilities will focus on producing essential components such as brass casings, bullet jackets, and other precision-engineered parts that are foundational to modern arms manufacturing.
Officials describe the engagement as a “landmark step” in reducing Nigeria’s dependence on foreign arms imports while advancing its capacity to produce high-grade defence equipment locally.
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