FG to partner Denmark on Defence cooperation 

The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation has said that the Federal Government is set to partner with Denmark on Defence Cooperation. 

The Ministry stated this in an October 16 statement from the Press Director’s office via Twitter (X).

According to the statement, Defence Minister, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle received the Denmark Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Sune Krogstrup where they discussed a potential partnership.  

The report stated: 

Currently, Nigeria grapples with significant security challenges spanning different regions, including terrorism, crude oil theft, kidnapping, maritime piracy, and banditry, fueling the need for security collaborations.

Days ago, it was reported that the Indian and Nigerian navies planned to enhance their collaboration through various training activities to boost interoperability and anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Guinea.  

The activities include cross-deck visitations, training sessions, and joint exercises aboard Nigerian Navy vessels. In September 2023, during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to New Delhi, India for the G-20 Summit, he engaged with the business community, resulting in a commitment of $1 billion to support the Defense Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) in achieving 40% self-sufficiency by 2027.  

DICON, operated by the Nigerian Armed Forces, plays a crucial role in the country’s defence.

Note that in the country’s 2023 budget, a substantial allocation of N1.25 trillion was designated for defence for the year. Here’s a breakdown of the allocations: 

Defence Ministry: N1,248,170,610,116 

Defence Headquarters: N84,717,595,133 

Defence Research: N3,453,827,664 

Nigerian Army: N638,108,156,198 

Navy: N158,790,615,183 

Airforce: N174,423,669,604