Nigeria and Türkiye are set to strengthen their defence cooperation, with discussions at a joint conference expected to focus on local production of military equipment, technology transfer and the development of indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities.

The engagement is expected to provide a platform for government officials, defence industry representatives and manufacturers from both countries to explore opportunities for joint production, investment and technical collaboration.

The initiative forms part of Nigeria’s broader efforts to reduce dependence on imported military hardware and develop a self-sufficient defence industry capable of meeting the country’s security requirements.

The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has emphasised the need for Nigeria to move beyond purchasing finished military equipment and establish partnerships that promote local manufacturing, research and development, maintenance and technical skills acquisition.

He said the Federal Government was committed to building a sustainable defence industrial base through collaboration with international partners, particularly Türkiye, which has developed significant capabilities in military technology and equipment manufacturing.

Musa explained that the partnership would create opportunities for Nigerian companies and technical professionals to acquire the expertise required to manufacture, maintain and improve defence equipment locally.

He also stressed that cooperation between both countries should produce measurable industrial outcomes rather than remain limited to agreements and discussions.

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, also highlighted the importance of strengthening local manufacturing through technology licensing, joint ventures and private-sector participation.

He noted that the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Act 2023 provides a legal framework for expanding domestic defence production and attracting investment into the sector.

Similarly, the Director-General of DICON, Major General Babatunde Ibrahim Alaya, called for practical partnerships that would establish production facilities, improve maintenance capabilities and strengthen technical training.

He maintained that developing local capacity would help Nigeria reduce its vulnerability to disruptions in international supply chains.

On the Turkish side, representatives of the country’s defence industry expressed interest in expanding cooperation with Nigerian manufacturers through joint production, technology transfer and investment.

The discussions are expected to explore ways both countries can combine Türkiye’s technological expertise with Nigeria’s market opportunities and human resources to strengthen defence manufacturing across Africa.

The broader objective is to develop a sustainable industrial partnership that will improve Nigeria’s military capabilities, create employment opportunities, encourage technological innovation and position the country as a potential defence manufacturing hub on the continent.