ABUJA, May 6 (MENA) - Nigerian Minister of State for Defense Bello Matawalle is participating in a high-level security meeting with a leading Chinese manufacturer of advanced anti-terrorism and high-tech defense equipment, said an official at the Nigerian Ministry of Defense's information and public relations department.

The meeting is a significant move to enhance Nigeria’s defense capabilities, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported on Tuesday.

Matawalle said the meeting aims to strengthen strategic defense ties between Nigeria and China.

According to him, the primary focus of the engagement is to formalize a partnership through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Chinese firm and the Defense Industries Corporation of Nigeria.

“This partnership is expected to play a crucial role in advancing Nigeria’s security sector,” he said.

Under terms of the MoU, the Chinese company is committed to investing in Nigeria’s defense infrastructure.

The partnership includes the transfer of cutting-edge defense technology, the establishment of local manufacturing capabilities for advanced military equipment, and exchanging technical knowledge to enhance the skills of Nigerian personnel.

Matawalle noted that the partnership was aimed at extending its impact beyond Nigeria, offering military support services to neighboring African countries and contributing to regional security and stability.

The Nigerian minister described the engagement as a major step forward in Nigeria’s defense modernization agenda. (MENA)

I S N/S R E