Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar, has called for enhanced collaboration in the defence industry between Nigeria and Pakistan. He specifically praised Pakistan’s experience in countering terrorism as cost-effective and worthy of emulation.
The Minister made the call during a meeting in Abuja with a high-level delegation from Pakistan, led by General Shahir Shamsad. Mr. Abubakar reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its defence capabilities through strategic partnerships with the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
He highlighted the long-standing relationship between the two nations, which he said is built on mutual respect, shared challenges, and aligned strategic interests.
“The history of cooperation between Nigeria and Pakistan provides a solid foundation for expanding collaboration in the defence sector,” Minister Abubakar stated. He emphasized that closer joint efforts would not only enhance military capabilities but also promote mutual understanding and deepen trust between the two countries.
“We must engage and elevate our relationship. I advocate for partnerships without strings or coercion. Pakistan has effectively addressed the challenges of terrorism and IEDs using local technology and affordable drones,” he remarked.
Looking ahead, the Minister indicated that future cooperation would focus on critical areas such as drone technology and advancements within Nigeria’s Defence Industries Corporation (DICON). The aim is to boost local manufacturing capacity and innovation in military hardware.
General Shahir Shamsad, the head of the Pakistani delegation, commended the progress made by DICON in producing military equipment locally. He recognised Nigeria as a significant player in Africa with substantial geo-strategic importance to Pakistan, emphasizing that deeper cooperation would yield mutual benefits for both nations.
This visit is seen as a significant step towards strengthening defence ties between Nigeria and Pakistan, with both countries looking to leverage their respective strengths for enhanced security and technological progress in the defence sector.
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