By Gabriel Ameh
Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen national security and attract foreign investment have gained fresh attention at the 41st Trade Expo Indonesia 2026, where a federal lawmaker signed a representation agreement with Indonesian state-owned defence manufacturer PT Pindad, while the South South Development Commission (SSDC) urged investors to establish industries in the region.
Honourable Uchenna Harris Okonkwo, who represents Idemili North and South Federal Constituency and serves as Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on NAFDAC, signed a Letter of Agreement–Memorandum of Understanding (LOA-MoU) to represent PT Pindad in Nigeria.
The proposed partnership is expected to create opportunities for local production of defence equipment in collaboration with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).
Speaking after the signing at the company’s exhibition stand, Okonkwo said the agreement could help address equipment gaps facing Nigeria’s armed forces and support efforts to protect citizens.
“What this will do is that it opens up avenues for local manufacture of defence items in partnership with DICON,” he said.
The lawmaker cited Nigeria’s security challenges and concerns over the suitability of equipment available to the military as key reasons for pursuing the arrangement.
He added that the proposed cooperation would also cover personnel training, potentially supporting efforts to improve local defence capabilities.
However, the extent of the proposed manufacturing arrangement, its implementation timeline and the specific equipment to be produced were not detailed in the statements provided.
SSDC seeks investment in South South
At the same expo, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the South South Development Commission, Usoro Akpabio, called on Indonesian companies and other international investors to move beyond buying and selling and invest directly in industries across Nigeria’s South South region.
Akpabio made the appeal during a Trade and Investment Cooperation Session focused on strengthening economic relations between Indonesia and West Africa.
She said the Commission was established under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to accelerate development through infrastructure, agriculture, industrialisation, human capital development, investment and environmental sustainability.
According to her, the region’s fertile land, natural resources, waterways and population offer opportunities to develop industries, generate employment and strengthen the local economy.
Akpabio urged investors to explore partnerships in agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, renewable energy and other sectors where Indonesia has relevant experience.
She particularly highlighted the need for improved seedlings, mechanised farming, agricultural research and modern processing facilities to increase production, strengthen food security and expand access to domestic and export markets.
The Commission is also interested in investments in biofuels, including biodiesel, bioethanol and biogas, as well as glycerine and other industrial by-products.
“Our ambition is to convert advantages into productive industries, sustainable employment and lasting economic prosperity,” she said.
Blue economy, tourism and technology on investment agenda
Beyond agriculture, Akpabio identified the blue economy, infrastructure, tourism, technology and creative industries as areas with potential for investment in the South South.
She encouraged Indonesian businesses to establish production facilities and build long-term partnerships in the region, rather than limiting their engagement to trade.
“The SSDC will stand ready to connect credible investors with viable opportunities and facilitate productive engagement with government, communities and relevant institutions,” she said.
Akpabio stressed that the success of international cooperation should be measured by tangible outcomes, including industries established, skills acquired, jobs created and improvements in people’s lives.
Okonkwo proposes Nigeria-Indonesia digital payment gateway
Okonkwo also advocated a dedicated digital payment gateway between Nigeria and Indonesia to make cross-border trade transactions easier.
He cited Nigerian fintech companies, including Paystack and Moniepoint, as examples of the country’s digital payment capabilities and called for support from the Central Bank of Nigeria.
A dedicated payment arrangement, if developed, could help businesses on both sides conduct transactions more conveniently and support stronger commercial relations.
Nigeria-Indonesia trade ambitions
The engagements took place during the 41st Trade Expo Indonesia 2026, organised with the involvement of the Indonesian Embassy in Abuja, as both countries seek to expand trade and attract foreign direct investment.
The organisers and participants are pursuing a target of at least $6 billion in annual trade between Nigeria and Indonesia.
The proposed defence partnership and SSDC’s investment drive highlight two areas of potential cooperation: strengthening Nigeria’s domestic industrial capacity and attracting investment that could generate employment and support economic diversification.
Whether these ambitions translate into new factories, local defence production, technology transfer and lasting jobs will depend on the implementation of the proposed agreements and the investments secured.
Source: Statements and event details supplied from the Trade Expo Indonesia 2026 engagements involving Honourable Uchenna Harris Okonkwo and the South South Development Commission.
