Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to building a self-reliant and technologically advanced defence industry, describing local production and industrial capacity as critical to strengthening the nation’s security architecture.
Matawalle made the remarks on Wednesday during the 7th Nigeria–Türkiye Defence Industries Cooperation Meeting held in Abuja, where Nigerian and Turkish officials met to advance bilateral defence collaboration.
According to the minister, the Federal Government’s priority is to develop a defence industry capable of meeting the operational needs of the Armed Forces in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking at the meeting, Matawalle said, “Today at the 7th Nigeria–Türkiye Defence Industries Cooperation Meeting in Abuja, I emphasised on our main objective to develop a defence industry that is capable of meeting the requirements of our Armed Forces in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu agenda to build a strong, self-reliant and technologically capable Nigerian Defence Industry.”
He noted that the enactment of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Act 2023 provides the legal foundation for transforming Nigeria’s defence manufacturing sector.
“With the DICON Act 2023, our responsibility now is to convert that framework into industrial capacity, local production and technological capability,” Matawalle said.
The minister described Türkiye as a strategic partner in Nigeria’s defence development efforts, stressing that both countries would continue to strengthen cooperation for mutual benefit.
“Türkiye remains an important partner, and we are committed to deepening this relationship in ways that strengthen Nigeria’s defence preparedness, develop our human capital, create jobs and expand opportunities for Nigerian industry and investors,” he stated.
Matawalle also reiterated Nigeria’s determination to reduce dependence on foreign military equipment by expanding domestic defence production and encouraging investment in the sector.
“Nigeria is ready to move to greater defence-industrial self-reliance. I commend the Turkish Defence Industry Delegation, our Armed Forces, DICON, stakeholders and prospective investors for their commitment to this shared objective,” he said.
He expressed confidence that sustained collaboration between both countries would support Nigeria’s broader national development goals.
“Together, we can build a resilient Defence Industry that serves our national security interests and contributes meaningfully to Nigeria’s broader development agenda,” the minister added.
The Nigeria–Türkiye Defence Industries Cooperation Meeting serves as a platform for both countries to strengthen defence-industrial ties, promote technology transfer and explore investment opportunities aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s indigenous defence manufacturing capacity.
