Our Abuja Correspondent
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle, along side other Nigerian delegations are in Riyadh, Kingdom of Arabia attending the second edition of the World Defence exhibition which commenced from 4th February 2024.
The Minister who lead other Nigerians to tour the exhibition affirmed that the objective of the participation in the 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 structure.
According to him in a press statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by Henshaw Ogubike, the Director Information and Public Relations of the Ministry, this is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Agenda on security and further enhancement of security in Nigeria and West African region.
The Minister also 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.
He explained that the, 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.
Commending the organizer of the global event, the Minister informed that countries would gain a lot in terms of defence cooperation.
“The Exhibition is designed to deliver key platforms across all five defence domains – land, sea, air, space (satellites) and security.”
“The exhibition 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” he 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 structure.
“The 2nd world Defence Exhibition in Saudi Arabia is expected to end on the 8th of February 2024′ he said.
The Nigerian delegation comprises, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana mni, 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.