In a significant move to bolster military cooperation, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle, received a delegation from the Turkish Embassy in Nigeria, led by Ambassador Mehmet Poroy. The meeting, held at the Ministry of Defence in Abuja, underscored the growing importance of defence and technology collaboration between the two nations.
According to a statement by the Minister’s Personal Assistant on Media, Ahmad Dan-Wudil, the discussions focused on enhancing military collaboration, particularly in the areas of defence industry cooperation, technology transfer, and the forthcoming African Defence and Security Exhibition to be hosted in Nigeria.
Dr Matawalle reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to deepening innovation in the defence sector to ensure a safer and more secure Nigeria. “Our government is determined to leverage international partnerships to strengthen our defence capabilities and foster technological advancements,” Matawalle stated.
The Turkish delegation included Colonel Davut Velioglu, Defence Attaché to Nigeria, and Muzaffar Walan Zou, Head of Political Affairs at the Turkish Embassy. The visit highlights the strategic importance both nations place on defence cooperation, particularly in the context of emerging security challenges in Africa.
This collaboration comes at a critical time as Nigeria seeks to modernise its defence sector and enhance its capacity to address both domestic and regional security threats. The forthcoming African Defence and Security Exhibition will provide a platform for both countries to showcase their defence technologies and explore new avenues for cooperation.
Ambassador Mehmet Poroy emphasised the mutual benefits of such partnerships, stating, “Our discussions today have reaffirmed the shared commitment to peace and security. We look forward to strengthening our ties and exploring new opportunities for collaboration in defence technology and innovation.”
The meeting between Dr Matawalle and the Turkish delegation signals a promising future for defence and technology cooperation between Nigeria and Turkey. As both nations continue to prioritise innovation and security, this partnership could set a precedent for similar collaborations across the African continent.