By IDNN National Security Desk | 7 May 2025 | Abuja
The Federal Government has entered a high-level defence partnership with a Chinese military tech manufacturer in a bold move to localize arms production and upgrade Nigeria’s defence capability.
Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, announced the deal following a closed-door security summit held in Abuja. The agreement includes a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the unnamed Chinese firm and Nigeria’s Defence Industries Corporation (DICON).
“This partnership marks a turning point. We are building a self-reliant, technologically advanced military system — right here in Nigeria,” Matawalle said.
What the Deal Covers
The agreement includes transfer of advanced anti-terrorism and surveillance technology, alongside technical training for Nigerian defence engineers.
Key deliverables include:
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Local production of 7.62×51mm ball cartridges, blanks, 9mm pistol rounds, and machine gun ammo
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Establishment of new ammunition production lines in Kaduna and Kachia
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On-ground workshops to produce brass casings, bullet jackets, and critical weapon components
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Maintenance and upgrading of battle tanks and artillery units
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Military engineering knowledge exchange programs
Nigeria Eyes Regional Defence Power Status
Matawalle said the goal is not just to serve Nigeria’s security needs but to transform the country into a regional defence supply hub for West and Central Africa.
“We are not just importing weapons. We are importing knowledge, capacity, and control,” the minister emphasized.
The move aligns with President Tinubu’s broader security doctrine, which prioritizes defence-industrial autonomy and rapid response capacity in the face of mounting insurgencies and transborder threats.
From Import Dependence to Industrial Backbone
For decades, Nigeria has relied heavily on foreign military imports, with limited investment in local capacity. The new partnership aims to reverse that trend.
Defence analysts say this initiative, if implemented fully, could save billions in foreign exchange annually, create technical jobs, and reduce delays in equipment supply during crises.
Caution and Oversight Still Needed
While the deal has been welcomed in military circles, security experts are calling for transparency in procurement and strict legislative oversight to avoid pitfalls from past defence contracts.
Matawalle confirmed that the partnership includes plans for domestic accountability, skills retention, and long-term sustainability.
“This is about national security — but it’s also about industrial sovereignty,” he said.
The project is expected to enter implementation phase by Q3 2025, with initial production trials scheduled for early 2026.
