Nigeria and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan have formalized their defence collaboration through signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 10th May 2026, in Amman, Jordan. The agreement was officially signed by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammed Matawalle, and Major General Yousef A. Alhnaity, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Jordanian Armed Forces.
The MoU establishes a comprehensive framework for intelligence exchange, joint military training, counter-terrorism efforts, and defence research and industrial partnerships. It also encompasses mutual support in regional and global peace and security initiatives. Minister Matawalle described the MoU as “a significant advancement in strengthening the bilateral relations between Nigeria and Jordan amid escalating global security challenges.” He also emphasized that the partnership aims to promote peace, security, and stability within their respective regions.
Jordan has been a key military supplier and training partner for Nigeria since at least 2017, including the provision of 200 armoured vehicles and helicopters to Abuja. Notably, Nigeria received a batch of ex-Jordanian FV-107 Scimitar reconnaissance vehicles in July 2022, which are lightly armoured tracked platforms originally manufactured by Alvis in the UK, equipped with a 30mm RARDEN cannon. Jordan acquired a substantial fleet of Scimitars from British stocks in the mid-2000s and has since distributed surplus units to partnering militaries, Nigeria among them.
An important component of the MoU is the provision on industrial cooperation. Minister Matawalle advocated for technology transfer and the establishment of a manufacturing line in Nigeria, aligning with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Act, 2023. This legislation expanded DICON’s mandate, enabling it to operate subsidiaries, license foreign designs, and engage in joint ventures with private and international partners. If a Jordanian production line materializes, it would align with Nigeria’s broader strategy of securing technology and manufacturing expertise through partnerships, following similar efforts with other nations since 2023.
Jordan’s unique expertise in the defence sector, particularly in refurbishing and upgrading armoured vehicles, presents a strategic advantage tailored to Nigeria’s operational needs. Utilizing surplus Jordanian stock offers Nigeria a rapid, cost-effective means of augmenting its fleet, further extending its strategic drive of integrating foreign technology and manufacturing capabilities.
The MoU emphasizes intelligence sharing, leveraging Jordan’s extensive counter-terrorism expertise gained through Western partnerships. Nigerian officials appear keen to gain insights applicable to threats faced in the Sahel region. Nonetheless, the agreement affirms Nigeria’s view of Jordan as a reliable, steady supplier partner worth developing further, rather than a one-time arms supplier.