Nigeria Commits to Building Self-Reliant Defence Industrial Base, Deepens Partnership with Türkiye

Nigeria has pledged its commitment to constructing a self-reliant and competitive defence industrial sector, strengthening its ties with Türkiye at the 7th Nigeria–Türkiye Defence Industry Business Forum. Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), emphasized that the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Act 2023 provides an essential legal framework to foster private-sector involvement, technology transfer and strategic investment, all while boosting domestic supply chains and promoting innovation.

The forum aimed to elevate the bilateral relationship between the two nations by transforming the traditional buyer–seller relationship into a more balanced partnership founded on joint production, local manufacturing, and technology transfer. Musa highlighted the necessity to progress beyond merely acquiring capabilities to understanding, adapting, manufacturing, maintaining, and continuously improving them.

This requires strong partnerships between government, the Armed Forces, research institutions, academia, and industry, underpinned by sustained investment in innovation and human capital.

General Gokman Ucar, Head of the Turkish Defence Delegation, expressed hope that the forum would usher in a new chapter in the defence partnership by enabling companies from both countries to collaborate on joint production and technology transfer. He also mentioned that discussions would focus on the strategic defence partnership from the lens of defence industrialisation, including joint production, technology transfer, and localisation.

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, explained that the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria Act 2023 establishes a framework for strengthening local production, private-sector participation, and strategic partnerships. He encouraged stakeholders to explore practical models for joint production, technology licensing, co-development, and localisation.

Major-General Babatunde Alaya, Director-General of DICON, emphasized that the corporation is broadening its scope beyond traditional production, focusing on building a more integrated ecosystem driven by innovation, research, private-sector involvement, technology transfer, partnerships, and indigenous manufacturing. He stressed that the cooperation between Nigeria and Türkiye presents opportunities beyond just procuring defence equipment, urging the pursuit of productive partnerships combining Turkish experience and technology with Nigeria's market, human capital, and industrial potential.