FG To Collaborate With China On Technology Transfer, Intelligence Sharing

The Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, CON, mni has said that the Federal Government would collaborate with the Chinese Government on technology transfer, intelligence sharing and military training, in its quest to tackle insecurity in the country. The Minister stated this when he received the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of China to Nigeria on a courtesy visit to Ship House, Abuja. He said there has been a lot of working relationship with the Chinese companies on transfer of technology and talk on Military equipment production. According to him, the interest of the Government of China to cooperate with Nigeria in the areas of technology transfer and training was overwhelming. “I was in China to attend a forum which was very successful and we had a very good discussion centred on the transfer of technology, military training and the protection of the interest of China Corporations in Nigeria,” he said. Speaking further, he said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR is passionate with Private sector involvement in the renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu just signed the Defence Industry Act as a guide on the development of the Defence Industry. The Act provides a level playing grounds for all investors,” he said. He called on the Ambassador to encourage more investors into Nigeria economy. “We need serious investors in steel, power and energy to help actualize our defence industry technology. Mr President understand the need for development for private sector to prosper. We are open to power, steel and defence industry to have these investments actualized in the country. Chinese companies have the potential and technology to invest in our country,” he said. Earlier in his remark, the Ambassador of China to Nigeria, Cui Jian Chun said China has strategic interest on cooperation with Nigeria in areas of Military operations, economy cooperation and international cooperation.  He said China and Nigeria have investment in security, education and economy, adding that; “Nigeria has great potential to develop new economy.” He opined that Nigeria has abundant natural and human resources that can support China Corporations based in Nigeria. “Nigeria is a large country just like China and we are willing to build our Military Industries in Nigeria to support local production of Military equipment,” he said. According to him, the Chinese companies would not only boost the fight against insurgency and other related crimes in Nigeria, but would also boost the Federal Government’s drive on employment generation.

Counter-Terrorism: Nigeria To Deepen Collaboration With UNODC

The Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON, mni has commended the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime on their Counter- Terrorism Project work with Nigerian Armed Forces. The Minister made the commendation when he received the Representative of the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Mr. Oliver Stolpe, in his office at Ship House, Abuja.  Badaru stated that Nigeria welcomes any effort that would help in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria. “Thank you for doing a good job in Maiduguri. We will give you maximum cooperation needed to sustain the fight against Boko Haram and other forms of criminalities in Nigeria. On the rehabilitation of the repentant Boko Haram members, the Minister said in addition to what they have done, there was the need for Tracking Mechanism to ensure that the released Boko Haram members are fully integrated back to the society. Badaru expressed gratitude for UNODC’s continuous support in enhancing Nigeria’s capabilities to combat terrorism.  In his remark, Mr. Stolpe pointed out that the UNODC is collaborating with Nigerian Armed Forces in area of counter- terrorism and Maritime security. He said UNODC in partnership with Joint Investigation Centre (JIC) in Maiduguri, Borno State has successfully reviewed over 2,900 case files leading to 2,400 prisoners released.

NIMASA, Navy To Partner On Blue Economy

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, and the Nigerian Navy have inaugurated a Committee to establish ways in which the synergy between both organs of government can be channeled into creating a welcoming environment for investment in the Blue Economy. Assistant Director, Public Relations, NIMASA Osagie Edward, in a statement said, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC West), Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan, who inaugurated the 8-Man Committee charged them to come up with policies to create a welcoming maritime environment for investment in the Nigerian Blue Economy. Membership of the 8-Man Committee includes on the Navy side, Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan, FOC, Western Naval Command; Cdre K.O. Oguntuga, Commander NNS Beecroft; Cdre N.S. Kaman, COO Western Naval Command and Capt. A. U. Tijani. The Committee members representing NIMASA namely, Director Deep Blue Project, Chief Otonye Obom; Head Shipping Development, Kurahson Inuwa; Head, ISPS, Isa Mudi; and Deputy Director,  Cabotage Services, Aisha Usman Dangote. You will recall that the Agency’s Director General, Dr. Bashir Jamoh OFR, during a visit by a delegation from the Nigerian Navy to the Agency’s headquarters in Lagos recently, had announced the constitution of an 8-Man committee, comprising four each from the Navy and NIMASA. 

Military Hardware: Nigeria’s Defence Minister Visits Turkey, Seeks Bilateral Cooperation

In his drive to equip the Nigeria Armed Forces with high tech hardware and other Military equipment, the Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON mni, has paid a bilateral visit to Turkey to further discuss and explore how best Nigeria can partner with Turkey on the production of Military hardware and equipment. Badaru, accompanied by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Mashal Hassan Abubakar visited the Turkish Aerospace Industries in the capital city, Ankara to see things for himself. He inspected various sections of the firm in charge of the manufacturing of modern military aircraft and other defence equipment. Furthermore, in the course of taking him round the facility, the CEO of the company, Engineer Temel Kotel informed the Minister that the industry was established in 1973 with the primary goal of manufacturing military aircraft, satellites, and unmanned aerial vehicles. At the conclusion of the tour, the Hon Minister commended the company for its over five decades of successful ventures in the manufacturing of military facilities. According to him, Nigeria would explore the possibility of partnering with Turkey in intelligence and information sharing for the mutual benefit of both countries in Defence cooperation.