Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to developing indigenous defence capabilities as part of efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in military equipment and technology.
General Musa stated this during a strategic meeting with an European Union, EU delegation in Abuja to finalise arrangements for the delivery of a €20 million defence support package under the European Peace Facility.
He said the assistance, agreed upon in October 2026, would strengthen the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Armed Forces, particularly in counterterrorism operations within the Lake Chad Basin.
He also urged the EU to leverage the recently concluded AFRIDEX 2026 to support local defence production.
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Leading the delegation, Head of the European Peace Facility at the European External Action Service, Claire Gaudin, said the package would provide counter-improvised explosive device equipment, counter-drone systems, night-vision capabilities and protective gear for troops.
She noted that the priority areas were jointly identified with the Nigerian military following extensive consultations, adding that Nigeria is among over 20 African countries benefiting from the facility.
Both parties also explored further cooperation in military medical support, advanced surveillance and maritime security, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea, as part of broader efforts to strengthen regional security and stability.
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(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
