The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), OFR, has led a Nigerian delegation to China for high-level engagements focused on defence, security cooperation, and strategic partnership between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China.
The visit is aimed at deepening bilateral defence cooperation, accelerating the modernisation of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), and significantly enhancing Nigeria’s local military production capabilities.
Leading a high-powered delegation through a series of diplomatic and industrial engagements in Beijing, the minister stated that Nigeria’s proactive strategy to integrate emerging technologies and artificial intelligence into its national security framework would help ensure that the Armed Forces remain ahead of evolving asymmetric threats.
According to General Musa, Nigeria is committed to partnerships that go beyond consumption and position the country as an active producer of defence technologies.
“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 said during the commencement of the working visit at the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) Innovation Centre.
As part of efforts to advance defence self-reliance, the minister also visited the headquarters and exhibition centre of the China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO Group). The Nigerian delegation toured the exhibition facilities, reviewing NORINCO’s portfolio of land platforms, advanced artillery systems, specialised ammunition, and integrated defence solutions.
Following the tour, General Musa held a closed-door bilateral meeting with the President and senior executives of NORINCO. Discussions focused extensively on technology transfer, technical capacity development, and the establishment of joint production lines in Nigeria in partnership with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).
At the Nigerian Embassy in Beijing, the delegation was received by Nigeria’s Ambassador to China, Lt. General Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd), who described the minister’s visit as timely and significant in strengthening the strategic geopolitical relationship between Nigeria and China. He also pledged the embassy’s continued diplomatic support in advancing Nigeria’s defence objectives during the week-long mission.
During a subsequent visit to the embassy’s Defence Section, General Musa met with Defence Attachés and staff, commending their dedication to national service and encouraging them to continue serving as exemplary representatives of Nigeria’s military diplomacy in Asia.
According to the Ministry, the working visit is expected to deliver both immediate and long-term benefits for Nigeria’s national security architecture, particularly in the areas of capability enhancement and equipment modernisation, sustainable logistics and supply chains, industrial and economic growth, strategic self-reliance, and strengthened bilateral relations between Nigeria and China.
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