The Ambassador of China to Nigeria, Cui Jian Chun, on Wednesday, said his country would like to establish its military industry in Nigeria.
According to him, this would support local production of military equipment in Nigeria, adding that Nigeria has abundant natural and human resources that can support Chinese corporations based in Nigeria.
He said China has an interest in forging collaboration with Nigeria in the area of military operations among others.
A statement by Ministry of Defence spokesperson, Henshaw Ogubike said Chun spoke during his visit to the Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar in Abuja on Wednesday.
The statement partly read, “China has a strategic interest in cooperation with Nigeria in areas of Military operations, economic cooperation, and international cooperation.
“He said China and Nigeria have investments in security, education, and economy, adding that Nigeria has great potential to develop a new economy.
“He opined that Nigeria has abundant natural and human resources that can 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 also said the Chinese industries will not only boost the fight against insurgency and other related crimes in Nigeria but also the Federal Government’s drive on employment generation.
Speaking, the Minister of Defence said the Federal Government would collaborate with the Chinese government in Technology transfer, Intelligence sharing, and Military training in its quest to tackle insecurity in the country.
He said there has been a lot of working relationship with the Chinese companies on the transfer of technology and talk on military equipment production.
(PUNCH)
