Nigeria’s Ministry of Defence has reiterated its commitment to strengthening military cooperation with Israel, while also outlining plans to reform its own defence industry. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ambassador Gabriel Aduda, reaffirmed this commitment during a recent meeting in Abuja with the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman.
The two officials discussed strategies for enhancing defence ties, bolstering mutual security frameworks, and exploring opportunities for increased military training and capacity building within the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Ambassador Aduda emphasised the critical need to deepen defence cooperation in response to evolving global security challenges. He highlighted the importance of strategic areas such as joint operations, the exchange of military expertise, and the modernisation of defence cooperation. Discussions also included plans to finalise a new bilateral defence agreement aimed at fostering technical collaboration in the development of Nigeria’s defence sector.
Ambassador Aduda revealed that the Ministry of Defence is in the process of reforming the Defence Industry Corporation (DICON). The aim is to establish effective regulation within the sector. He stated that the reformed DICON would soon have a regulatory arm to license participation in the defence industry, as well as a commercial arm to enter into partnerships and collaborations with reputable global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). These collaborations would focus on the assembly or manufacture of arms and ammunition, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and armoured vehicles.
According to Ambassador Aduda, “The Ministry will engage in strategic initiatives to replicate successful Israeli military cooperation frameworks in Nigeria, thereby enhancing our national defence architecture.”
In response, Ambassador Michael Freeman expressed his gratitude for the meeting and underscored the importance of the partnership as a progressive step towards achieving innovative defence solutions. He extended a formal invitation to Ambassador Aduda and his team to visit Israel to further strengthen the ties between the two nations.
These developments suggest a two-pronged approach by Nigeria: seeking to learn from Israel’s military capabilities and simultaneously working to develop its own domestic defence industry through strategic partnerships.
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