Czech Defence Industry Returns to Nigeria after Nine Years, Opening Doors to New Contracts
04.09.2025 / 13:11 | Aktualizováno: 04.09.2025 / 13:38
The first official mission of the Czech defence industry to Nigeria in nine years took place on August 18–20, 2025, led by Junior Deputy Minister of Defence Radka Konderlová. Interest from Czech companies was unprecedented, and the visit generated concrete opportunities in key areas currently prioritized by Nigeria’s security forces.
Presentation of Czech companies
Strong Interest from Czech Companies
The delegation, headed by Junior Deputy Minister Konderlová, visited the capital city Abuja from August 18 to 20. The mission attracted extraordinary interest from Czech industry: 15 representatives participated on behalf of 13 companies, while three additional firms were unable to join due to limited capacity.
Delegation with the Minister of Defence
High-Level Political and Military Meetings
The program included meetings with Nigeria’s Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, Deputy Chief of Defense Staff S. Olatunde, Deputy Commander of the Army AB Ibrahim, Coordinator of the National Counterterrorism Center Maj. Gen. Adamu Garba Laka, and Inspector General of Police Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun.
Presentation of Czech companies
Part of the delegation also visited the Nigerian Immigration Service, where they were received by Deputy Comptroller General A. J. Umanah. At each stop, Czech companies had the chance to present their solutions and establish direct contacts.
Delegation at Defence Headquarters
Demand for Modern Technologies
Nigeria is currently seeking technologies for border surveillance by land and air, unmanned aerial vehicles, civilian and military aircraft including maintenance services, personal weapons and protective gear, ground equipment, and vehicles. There is also significant demand for training of air and land forces as well as for technology transfer.
Nigerian Immigration Service with Czech product
Czech manufacturers have longstanding expertise in all of these areas, and many are already trusted partners of Nigerian institutions. The mission reaffirmed the strategic partnership between the two countries and opened the door to discussions on specific projects that may soon translate into signed contracts.
Chief of the Naval Staff and Junior Deputy Minister
Revitalizing Relations and Creating Opportunities
The visit reinvigorated Czech–Nigerian defence relations and provided an important boost for broader economic ties. Nigeria is the Czech Republic’s second-largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa, after South Africa.
Meeting with the Chief of Air Staff
Participating companies included Bowenite, Excalibur Army, Excalibur International, STV Group, Colt CZ, DSS, DEFCON, Retia, TRL Space, EO Security, Compelson, Grant Detection, and Gumárny Zubří. The Czech Embassy was represented by Ambassador Zdeněk Krejčí and Commercial Counsellor Marie Nwanyanwu. Alongside Junior Deputy Minister Konderlová, the Ministry of Defence was also represented by Vilém Hanuš, Deputy Director for Africa at the Industrial Cooperation Section.
Delegation with the Minister of Defence of Nigeria
The mission was carried out within the framework of the economic diplomacy support project (PROPED), funded by the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic.
Police Headquarters
Author: Mgr. Marie Nwanyanwu, Economic Diplomat, Embassy of the Czech Republic in Nigeria