By Linus Aleke, Abuja
The Federal Government (FG), has expressed readiness to procure latest military hardwares to tackle the rising insurgency, terrorism, kidnapping for ransom, banditry and other emerging security threats across the federation.
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, made this disclosure, in Riyadh Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, while participating at the second edition of the world Defence Exhibition, in the country.
The Director Press, Ministry of Defence, Mr. Henshaw Ogubike, in a statement, said the Nigerian delegation to the World Defence Exhibition comprises of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, Director General of Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Major General Effiong Edet and other critical stakeholders of the Nigerian Armed Forces and Exhibitors from the shore of Nigeria.
The Minister of State for Defence said: “The objective of the Nigerian delegation’s participation in this all important event is to explore latest technology in military hardware that would eventually be acquired for the country and also create ways of collaborating with key Defence stakeholders, leaders and companies to enhance Nigeria’s security architecture”.
This, the junior minister said, is line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Agenda on security, which will further enhance security in Nigeria and West African region.
While going round the exhibition stands, the Minister pointed out that the aim of the Global exhibition was for participating countries Ministries of Defence to meet and share information and ideas on the latest defence systems.
According to him, major international defence companies like DICON and PROFORCE from Nigeria and others around the world are participating in the exhibition in addition to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ministry of Defence.
He further said, the exhibition is designed to deliver key platforms across all five defence domains – land, sea, air, space (satellites) and security.
The exhibition, he said, featured displays of military hardware, latest technology military aircraft including a live air show, knowledge transfer, topical debates, and opportunities to connect, collaborate and network with key defense stakeholders and leaders.
Commending the organizer of the global event, the Minister said that countries would gain a lot in terms of defence cooperation.
The 2nd world Defence Exhibition in Saudi Arabia is expected to end on the 8th of February 2024.
