Matawalle Says Nigeria Can Build a Self-Reliant Defence Industry
Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle says Nigeria has the engineering expertise and scientific talent to develop locally made defence technologies for the country and Africa. Speaking at the opening of the Africa International Defence Exhibition 2026 in Lagos, Matawalle said strategic investment in local manufacturing could strengthen security, create jobs and reduce reliance on imported military equipment. He described the exhibition as Nigeria’s first of its kind since the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria was established in 1964. President Bola Tinubu, represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, urged African countries to ensure defence partnerships include technology transfer, local production and skills development. The exhibition featured armoured vehicles, surveillance systems, drones, communications equipment and other security technologies from Nigerian and international firms.
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