Nigeria and Türkiye Boost Military Cooperation at IDEF 2025 in Istanbul

 

Zig Diaries Photo

Istanbul, Turkey – July 26, 2025 — Nigeria and Türkiye have reaffirmed their strong defense partnership during a high-level meeting at the 17th International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF 2025) currently underway in Istanbul.

On July 24, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle MON, met with Türkiye’s Minister of National Defence, Yaşar Güler, to discuss ways to deepen military cooperation between the two countries. The talks focused on defense industry collaboration, transfer of military technology, and procurement of key military assets, including combat vehicles, fighter aircraft, warships, radars, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), as well as training and maintenance support.

Both ministers emphasized the enduring ties between Nigeria and Türkiye, highlighting a shared commitment to defense modernization, technological self-reliance, and mutually beneficial military cooperation.

The meeting took place within the framework of IDEF 2025, a six-day international defense exhibition that commenced on July 22 and runs through July 27, showcasing the latest advancements in military technology from hundreds of global defense firms.

Nigeria’s delegation included prominent officials such as Ambassador Gabriel Tanimu Aduda, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence; Air Vice Marshal Yusuf, Representative of the Chief of Air Staff; Major General B.I. Alaya, Director General of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON); Brigadier General M.L. Abubakar, Nigerian Defence Attaché to Türkiye; the Deputy Chief of Defence Intelligence; and representatives from the Nigerian High Commission in Türkiye.

The meeting underscores Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to modernize its defense capabilities and strengthen strategic partnerships with key allies like Türkiye.