Nigeria Improves Defence Capabilities with China Ammunition Deal

Nigeria has taken a major step towards enhancing its defence capabilities through a new strategic partnership with China focused on domestic ammunition production and military-industrial development.

Under the agreement, Chinese defence firm NORINCO will support Nigeria’s Defence Industries Corporation (DICON) in establishing modern ammunition production facilities.

The partnership is part of a broader initiative to reduce the country’s reliance on imported arms and improve national security through local manufacturing.

Nigeria plans to produce over 200 million rounds of ammunition annually to meet the needs of its armed forces.

This will be facilitated through a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Ministry of Defence, DICON, and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).

China will assist Nigeria in developing technical expertise and infrastructure through knowledge transfer and specialized training.

This is expected to boost local capacity and lay the groundwork for long-term self-reliance in military production.

The newly enacted legislation empowers DICON to operate subsidiaries, control ordnance factories, and drive innovation through the Defence Industry Technology, Research, and Development Institute (DITRDI).

This legal backing ensures sustained growth and innovation within the defence sector.

Despite spending over N520 billion on arms imports in 2024, the Nigerian government is now shifting focus to domestic production.

New regulations will restrict the importation of certain calibers of arms and ammunition, encouraging local alternatives and reducing foreign dependency.

Officials say the partnership is not just a procurement arrangement but a long-term plan to establish Nigeria as a leading defence manufacturer in West Africa.

By strengthening its military-industrial base, the country aims to bolster internal security, stimulate job creation, and position itself as a future arms exporter within the region.

Speaking on the partnership, Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, reiterated the government’s determination to build a self-reliant defence sector.

“Nigeria must attain self-reliance in defence production. We welcome genuine partners who respect our sovereignty and are committed to building capacity within our borders,” Matawalle said.

With implementation already underway, the Nigeria-China ammunition deal marks a pivotal shift in Nigeria’s defence strategy. It signals a growing emphasis on local solutions to national security challenges and a vision of industrial self-sufficiency with global partnerships.