Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, has revealed that Nigeria’s participation in the ongoing World Defence Exhibition in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was to explore the latest technology in military hardware that will help combat the present security challenges in the country.

He said the forum would also create ways of collaboration between Nigerian delegations with key Defence stakeholders, leaders, and companies to enhance Nigeria’s security structure.

The minister said this after going around exhibition stands of Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), PROFORCE, and other international defence companies.

A statement from the minister’s office on Tuesday, February 6, said other Nigerians who were delegated to the exhibition include the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana mni, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and Director-General of Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Major- General Effiong Edet.

The Nation reports that Matawalle and other members of the delegation had on Saturday, February 3, attended the second Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) meeting, and thereafter the World Defence Exhibition on February 4.

The statement said: “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.

Read Also:

Kidnapped GIGM, ABC buses’ passengers: Abductors demand N15m to release my wife — Chude laments

The minister said: “The exhibition is designed to deliver key platforms across all five defence domains – land, sea, air, space (satellites), and security.

“He said the objective of the Nigerian delegation’s participation in this all-important event is to explore the 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. This is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Agenda on security and further enhancement of security in Nigeria and the West African region.”

The exhibition featured displays of military hardware, and the latest technology of military aircraft including a live air show, knowledge transfer, topical debates, and opportunities to connect, collaborate, and network with key defence stakeholders and leaders.

The exhibition will end on February 8.