By Deborah Coker
The Federal Government has pledged to collaborate with the Chinese Government on technology transfer, intelligence sharing and military training in its quest to tackle insecurity in Nigeria.
The Minister of Defence, Alhaji Muhammad Badaru, made the pledge when he received the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Cui Jian Chun, on a courtesy visit at the Ship House, Abuja.
This is contained in a statement on Wednesday by Mr Henshaw Ogubike, Director, Information and Public Relations of the defence ministry.
Badaru said that China had shown overwhelming interest to cooperate with Nigeria in the areas of technology transfer and training.
He said Nigeria already has close working relations with Chinese companies on technology transfer and there were talks on military equipment production.
“I was in China to attend a forum which was very successful and we had a very good discussion centered on the transfer of technology, military training and the protection of the interest of China Corporations in Nigeria,” he added.
The defence minister assured that President Bola Tinubu was passionate about partnership with the private sector towards achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration.
According to Badaru, the President has just signed the Defence Industry Act to guide the development of Nigeria’s Defence Industry Corporation.
“The Act provides a level playing ground for all investors,” he added, and urged the Ambassador to encourage more Chinese investors to come to Nigeria.
“We need serious investors in steel, power and energy to help actualise our defence industry technology.
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According to him, Nigeria is open to having investments in power, steel and defence industries, and will welcome Chinese companies to invest in the sectors.
Earlier in his remark, the Ambassador said China has strategic interest in working with Nigeria in areas of military cooperation, economy and international affairs.
“Nigeria has great potential to develop a new economy,” the envoy said, adding that the two countries already have investments in the area of security, education and economy.
He also said that Nigeria has abundant natural and human resources that could support Chinese 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,” Chun added.
According to him, this will support the fight against insurgency and other related crimes, and boost the federal government’s employment generation drive.
Edited by Maharazu Ahmed
World News