'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - The Federal Government of Nigeria is intensifying efforts to enhance its domestic drone technology capabilities by collaborating with Loong UAV, a China-based leader in tactical drone solutions.
Dr. Joseph Tegbe, Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), led a Nigerian delegation to engage Loong UAV representatives on Monday. He emphasized the partnership’s potential to revolutionize Nigeria’s drone technology sector and facilitate economic development.
Tegbe noted that the collaboration aims to improve Nigeria’s logistical and industrial capabilities by leveraging innovative drone technology to provide access to essential services in remote or hard-to-reach regions.
“This cooperation with Loong UAV will strengthen Nigeria’s domestic drone technology capabilities. The innovative use of drones could significantly enhance logistical efficiency, create economic opportunities, and support socio-economic transformation,” he stated.
The partnership is expected to position Nigeria as a key player in Africa’s industrialization, while also addressing critical challenges such as healthcare delivery, education, and security through technological advancements.
Tegbe highlighted additional collaborative efforts between Nigeria and Chinese companies to support various sectors, including: improved access to smart and qualitative education; renovating and upgrading teaching hospitals across the country.
Enhancing digital infrastructure for better service delivery and promoting renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions through advanced power storage solutions.
He revealed a new agreement with Chilwee Group, a leading Chinese manufacturer of batteries and power storage solutions. The partnership aims to bolster Nigeria’s energy security by introducing advanced energy storage technologies and exploring local raw material mining to support the power storage value chain.
“Chilwee Group has committed to investing in Nigeria through sales, manufacturing, and potentially mining raw materials. This will promote renewable energy solutions and enhance Nigeria’s energy security,” Tegbe explained.
The Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership continues to deepen ties between the two nations, with investments in technology, energy, and manufacturing sectors aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s socio-economic transformation.
Tegbe reaffirmed the NCSP’s commitment to fostering targeted Chinese investments to drive industrial growth, reduce carbon emissions, and elevate Nigeria’s global standing in technological and economic advancements.
“This partnership demonstrates our dedication to creating sustainable growth by leveraging technology and innovation to address Nigeria’s development challenges,” he concluded.
With these strategic agreements, Nigeria seeks to harness China’s expertise in key sectors to advance its industrialization agenda and improve living standards for its citizens.
