The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to building a strong and self-reliant defence industrial base, with a focus on technology transfer, local manufacturing and strategic international partnerships as part of efforts to strengthen national security and economic growth.
This position was highlighted in separate remarks by the Minister of Defence and the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) during engagements with Turkish defence officials and industry stakeholders.
Speaking at the 7th Nigeria-Türkiye Defence Industry Business Forum in Abuja, the Minister of Defence said Nigeria intends to transform its defence relationship with Türkiye from a traditional buyer-seller arrangement into a broader partnership centred on joint production, local manufacturing, research and development, maintenance capabilities, skills development and technology transfer.
The minister noted that Nigeria’s ambition extends beyond meeting immediate military requirements, stressing that the country aims to develop a globally competitive defence industrial base capable of generating employment, developing local expertise, strengthening supply chains and supporting broader economic development.
He identified the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Act 2023 as a key framework for advancing the country’s industrialisation agenda by encouraging private-sector participation, strategic investment and partnerships with international defence manufacturers.
According to him, the changing global security environment has increased the importance of emerging technologies such as unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, cyber capabilities, advanced communications, surveillance technologies and other modern defence solutions.
He said Nigeria must develop the capacity not only to acquire such technologies but also to manufacture, maintain and improve them through sustained investment in innovation and human capital.
The minister also pointed to Türkiye’s experience in building a largely self-reliant defence industry, describing it as a useful model for countries seeking to develop indigenous capabilities through research, innovation, government support and private-sector participation.
He called on participating Nigerian and Turkish companies to move beyond declarations of intent and pursue partnerships with clearly defined objectives, investment commitments, production arrangements and measurable outcomes.
Similarly, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, said the forum provided an opportunity for both countries to move beyond dialogue and explore practical opportunities for investment, local production and long-term industrial cooperation.
Matawalle said the DICON Act 2023 had created a framework for strengthening local production, private-sector participation and strategic partnerships.
He urged Nigerian and Turkish stakeholders to explore practical models for joint production, technology licensing, co-development and localisation.
The Director-General of DICON, Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Alaya, also called for cooperation that would translate into actionable programmes, production lines, technology partnerships, maintenance capabilities and skills development.
Alaya said the ultimate objective was to build Nigeria’s defence production resilience and reduce vulnerability to disruptions in external supply chains.
In his remarks, Mr Gokman Ucar, Vice President, SSB Turkiye and Head of the Turkish Defence Delegation, said the forum could mark a new chapter in Nigeria-Türkiye relations by bringing defence companies from both countries together.
Uçar said discussions would focus on defence industrialisation, joint production, technology transfer, localisation, regulatory and investment frameworks.
He said the forum would also provide opportunities for business-to-business engagements between Nigerian and Turkish companies based on their areas of interest. Refine but retain truth and accuracy
