Nigeria is seeking to deepen cooperation with China on defence technology transfer, following a bilateral meeting between Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Minister of Defence, and Air Chief Marshal Xu Xueqiang, Minister of the Department of Equipment and Development of China, in Beijing.

The talks, held on the sidelines of the 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, focused on building stronger technological collaboration in the military sector, strengthening indigenous production in Nigeria, and exploring wider defence-industrial partnerships, according to the Nigerian defence ministry.

Defence technology pact to strengthen Nigeria-China collaboration

The Xiangshan Forum brings together defence and security officials, military leaders, and experts from around the world to address global and regional security challenges and foster cooperation.

According to the Ministry of Defence, discussions centred on four key areas:

• strengthening industrial partnerships between Nigerian and Chinese defence manufacturers,
• building technical and institutional capacity within Nigeria’s defence sector,
• enhancing interoperability through cooperative training, exchange programmes, and joint projects, and
• identifying feasible and sustainable technology transfer areas consistent with Nigerian law and international obligations.

“The meeting reaffirms Nigeria’s interest in pursuing practical, transparent, and mutually beneficial arrangements that will strengthen national defence capability and support economic and technological development at home,” the Ministry said.

Relevant agencies from both sides have been tasked with conducting follow-up technical studies and preparing proposals aimed at developing concrete programmes and formal agreements where appropriate.