By Samuel Ike, Abuja

Nigeria has taken steps to strengthen its defence partnership with Egypt through a proposed industrial cooperation framework focused on technology transfer, joint manufacturing and the possible establishment of an ammunition production line in the country. The initiative followed a two-day high-level visit by a Nigerian defence delegation led by the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, to key defence production facilities in Egypt.

The delegation, comprising officials from the Ministry of Defence, Defence Headquarters, the Armed Forces, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Defence Intelligence Agency and the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), explored opportunities to leverage Egypt’s defence manufacturing expertise to boost Nigeria’s indigenous production capacity. According to the Ministry of Defence, the visit was aimed at fostering sustainable industrial cooperation rather than immediate procurement of military hardware.

During engagements at Eagle International for Defence Systems Company in Suez, Nigerian officials examined locally produced defence systems and industrial processes, while discussions also centred on potential collaboration with DICON in the joint manufacture of selected military equipment. The proposed partnership is expected to facilitate the transfer of technical knowledge and specialised expertise, strengthen local content and enhance Nigeria’s defence production capabilities.

Talks in Cairo further focused on the possibility of establishing an ammunition production line in Nigeria through cooperation with Egypt’s Ministry of Military Production. Dr. Matawalle described the engagement as a strategic step towards building a modern and self-reliant military-industrial base capable of supporting national defence requirements, reducing dependence on foreign supplies and enhancing the resilience of Nigeria’s defence supply chain.