Nigeria/India set to collaborate in Ordinance, other military hardware development

Nigeria and India have expressed interest in collaborating to enhance ordinance and other military capabilities.This is the outcome of a courtesy visit to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai on Tuesday by a delegation from the Ordinance Factory Board, Ministry of Defence, India.The delegation was led by Deputy Director General of the Board, Mr Prakash Agarwala to Army Headquarters, Abuja.In his address, Mr Agarwala said there was the need for Nigeria to benefit from the quality military hardware being produced in the factory.He said, “The Ordinance Factory is the biggest producers of hardware in India and second largest in Asia.“Nigeria is one of the friendly countries with special relationship with India.“As part of the policies, There are many areas we can work together” to deepen the growth in the Defence area“We can offer the hardware directly from the factory,” he said.Speaking at the occasion, the Chief of Army Staff, who was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Lt General Lamidi Adeosun said Nigeria and India have good relationship that dates back several decades ago.“Your visit is like cementing already established relationship”.He said the two countries can collaborate to ensure that full benefits from the factory that are available could be realized.”There are areas we can work together like inspecting arms and how to utilize other opportunities”.“We would also like to know more about, and explore the line of credit option which you said is possible between the two countries”, the COPP added.Present during the courtesy call were the Chief of Projects monitoring, Maj Gen MSA Aliyu, Chief of Standards and Evaluation, Maj Gen Fidelis Azinta, Deputy Chief of Policy, Man Gen Solomon Udoumwa, and Director of Plans, Maj General Sawyer among others.END