Nigeria and the Kingdom of Jordan have taken steps to strengthen bilateral security relations following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, aimed at expanding defence collaboration and intelligence-sharing between the two countries.
The agreement was signed in Amman on May 10, 2026, by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Jordanian Armed Forces, Major General Yousef A. Alhnaity.
According to a statement issued by Queeneth Iheoma-Hart, Chief Information Officer in the Directorate of Information and Public Relations, the MoU establishes a framework for enhanced cooperation in key areas, including intelligence exchange, counter-terrorism operations, military training, defence research, industrial collaboration and broader efforts to support regional and international peace and security.
The pact is expected to bolster the defence capabilities of both nations while promoting closer institutional ties between their armed forces.
Speaking after the signing ceremony, Matawalle described the agreement as a major milestone in the growing relationship between Nigeria and Jordan, noting that strategic defence partnerships are increasingly vital in addressing emerging global and regional security threats.
He said both countries recognise the benefits of sustained cooperation and remain committed to strengthening defence relations in pursuit of peace, stability and security within their respective regions.
The minister also highlighted the importance of technology transfer and local capacity development, emphasizing plans to establish a defence production line in Nigeria in accordance with the provisions of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, DICON, Act.
He noted that such initiatives would contribute significantly to Nigeria’s drive toward self-reliance in defence manufacturing and military logistics.
The agreement further underscores the commitment of both nations to fostering mutual trust, deepening strategic engagement and advancing coordinated responses to shared security challenges.
