By Lazarus Zakaa, Abuja
The Deputy Director General of the Ordinance Factory Board, Ministry of Defence, India, Mr Prakash Agarwala on courtesy visit to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai in Army headquarters, Abuja, aimed at deepening the relationship with India in Defence sector between Nigeria and India government.
Received by Chief Of Army Staff, the leader of the delegation, Mr. Prakash Agarwala said, the visit was to initiate a move that will enhance a better and effective collaboration between the two countries in their Defence sector.
While relating the mission of the visit to the Army Chief, Mr Agarwala said there is a need for Nigeria to benefit from the quality military hardware being produced in the factory.
According to him, “the Ordinance Factory is the biggest producers of hardware in India and second largest in Asia.”
Mr. Agarwala said “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”. He stated.
The Deputy Director-General further promised to make available the hardwares to Nigeria directly from the factory.
Responding, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai said there was an existing good relationship between Nigeria and India over the years.
Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Nigerian Army, Lt. Gen. Lamidi Adeosun , the COAS further said the visit was just to cement already established relationship.
According to him, the both countries can collaborate to better tapped the benefits from the factory for the benefit of all.
He said “there are areas we can work together like inspecting arms and how to utilise other opportunities.”
Buratai further said, Nigerian Army is looking forward for more collaborations in their area of interest.