Nigeria is intensifying efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in military hardware production. This ambition was underscored by a high-level meeting on March 18, 2025, between Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, and a delegation from China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO), a leading Chinese state-owned defense contractor.
The meeting, held in Abuja, is part of Nigeria’s broader initiative launched in 2024 to strengthen its domestic defense manufacturing base. The NORINCO delegation, led by Mr. Tian Bei, Deputy General Manager for Africa and the Americas, engaged with Nigerian officials to explore deeper collaboration in key areas such as advanced technology transfer, workforce training, and increased local content in defense hardware production.
Dr. Matawalle emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to revitalizing the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and transforming it into a center for indigenous arms manufacturing. “Our objective is clear: Nigeria must achieve self-reliance in defense production,” he stated. “We welcome trustworthy partners who will respect our sovereignty, deliver essential technologies, and help build sustainable local capabilities” .
This initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, which emphasizes national security, local industrial development, and reduced dependence on foreign military equipment. The collaboration with NORINCO is expected to deliver broad benefits, including full-scale modernization of defense technologies, enhanced manufacturing infrastructure, and training for Nigerian personnel.
Dr. Matawalle assured the delegation of Nigeria’s full support, stating that the Ministry of Defence stands ready to support all credible efforts aimed at transforming the nation into a regional hub for military hardware production. “This strategic partnership with NORINCO, a globally renowned defense conglomerate, is projected to deliver decisive outcomes in critical areas such as comprehensive technology transfer, advanced training and capacity-building, and boosting indigenous content in defense manufacturing” .
Nigeria faces significant security challenges, including attacks by armed bandits in the northwest and a longstanding Islamist insurgency led by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province in the northeast. In response, the country has ramped up military spending in recent years. In October 2024, Nigeria approved borrowing approximately $618 million to purchase six Italian-made M-346 attack jets and ammunition for its air force, as part of a broader strategy to renew the air force fleet .
The collaboration with NORINCO is seen as a step towards reducing reliance on foreign military equipment and achieving operational autonomy. Dr. Matawalle highlighted the importance of self-sufficiency in defense production, noting that Nigeria has failed to build its institutions for 60 years. “If today we are producing 60 or 70 percent of our military hardware and ammunition, it will reduce the amount of money the ministry or the military is spending every year on procurement of hardware and ammunition,” he stated .
The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu, has also announced plans to strengthen Nigeria’s defense manufacturing sector by expanding collaboration with DICON. Discussions are in advanced stages to finalize a Memorandum of Understanding involving DICON, the Ministry of Defence, and Ajaokuta Steel Company, pending presidential approval. Audu emphasized that achieving self-sufficiency in military hardware production would significantly boost national security .
During a visit to DICON in Kaduna, Audu observed that while the agency produces about 20 million rounds of ammunition annually, much of the raw materials, particularly steel, are still imported. Under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, efforts are underway to produce steel materials locally to bridge this gap.
In November 2023, President Tinubu assented to the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Bill, 2023, empowering the corporation to operate, maintain, and control subsidiaries and ordnance factories to manufacture, store, and dispose of ordnance and ancillary stores and materials. The Act also established the Defence Industry Technology, Research, and Development Institute (DITRDI) to create a scientific and research-based technological foundation for Nigeria’s defense industry .
Dr. Matawalle expressed optimism about the future, stating that DICON would soon be exporting its military capabilities. “I make a promise to Mr. President that, before the expiration of his four years, DICON will be exporting its military capabilities,” he declared .
Nigeria’s engagement with NORINCO marks a significant step towards achieving self-reliance in defense production. By fostering strategic partnerships, enhancing local manufacturing capabilities, and aligning with national development agendas, Nigeria aims to transform its defense industry into a robust and self-sustaining sector. This initiative not only addresses immediate security challenges but also positions Nigeria as a potential regional hub for defense manufacturing in Africa.
