Iran and Nigeria are continuing to discuss joint defense and military
programs as part of bilateral cooperation launched in 2005. Officials said
this has included the prospect of Iranian arms sales to Nigeria, one of the
biggest energy producers in Africa.
Officials said Nigeria has sought Iranian help in establishing a defense
industry in the African state. They said Iran has already offered to send
weapons technology and personnel to build defense factories.
Defense cooperation was formally launched when Iran and Nigeria signed a
memorandum of understanding in June 2005, Middle East Newsline reported. . The MoU was signed during a visit
to Teheran by Nigerian Defense Minister Rabiu Kwankaso, who toured Iranian
weapons production facilities.
Officials said Nigeria would seek Iranian help to produce light weapons,
mortars and anti-tank missiles. They said in a later stage Iran could supply
the African state with ballistic missiles.
During his June visit, Kwankaso called on Iran to supply military
hardware to Nigeria. Officials said Nigeria has sought naval patrol vessels
for counter-insurgency missions.
Iran has reported defense exports to 42 countries. Officials said
Teheran has targeted Africa as a major defense market for anti-tank and
other missiles denied by Western suppliers.