A high-level Nigerian delegation arrived in Czechia in September, including senior representatives of the air force and security institutions. Their programme included the Future Air Force Conference in Prague, Industry Day in Pardubice, and the 25th NATO Days at Ostrava–Mošnov Airport.

The delegation was composed of Air Vice Marshal Iboro Harry Etukudo, Air Commodore Nasiru Mohammed Saidu, Squadron Leader Abayomi Apelles Dairo, as well as Air Vice Marshal Lanre Ibrahim Oluwatoyin from the Defence Space Administration and Air Marshal (ret.) Charles Ohwo. They were accompanied by the Commercial Counsellor of the Czech Embassy in Nigeria, Marie Nwanyanwu.

In Prague, the delegation met with Radka Konderlová, Director General for Industrial Cooperation at the Czech Ministry of Defence, and Major General Petr Čepelka, Commander of the Czech Air Force. A number of meetings were also held with leading Czech defence and aerospace companies, including Mesit, Aero Vodochody Aerospace, Defcon, LOM Praha, HTP Ostrava CZ, Omnipol, TRL Space, Czechoslovak Group (CSG) and STV Group.

Czech companies presented their technologies

The Nigerian group was introduced to Czech capabilities in flight simulators, aircraft and helicopter modernization, UAV systems, avionics, ground equipment, and space solutions. At the LOM Praha simulation centre in Pardubice and at HTP Ostrava, participants experienced simulated flights of Mi-17/Mi-171 and L-39NG aircraft. TRL Space showcased the range of unmanned aerial systems during live demonstrations at Brno Airport.

Nigeria seeks modern solutions for defence and security

Nigeria is currently interested in border surveillance technologies (ground and air), UAVs, civilian and military aircraft including maintenance services, personal weapons and equipment, ground technology, and vehicles. There is also strong demand for training of air and ground forces and for technology transfer.

Czech manufacturers have much to offer in all these areas, and many are already trusted partners of Nigerian institutions.

Cooperation aims higher – into space

A new dimension of cooperation is emerging with the Defence Space Administration of Nigeria, whose representative was part of the delegation. This opens opportunities for Czech companies in space technologies, satellite reconnaissance, and space security.

More flight hours in Czech–Nigerian partnership

The September visit to Czechia directly followed Radka Konderlová’s August mission to Abuja, where Czech companies presented their capabilities on the Nigerian market for the first time in nine years.

Both events confirmed the strategic partnership between Czechia and Nigeria and opened the way for negotiations on concrete contracts, which may soon be translated into signed deals.

The mission was supported by the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic under the Economic Diplomacy projects, in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.

Author: Mgr. Marie Nwanyanwu, Economic Diplomat, Embassy of the Czech Republic in Nigeria