By Gloria Ikibah
Nigeria’s efforts to tackle insecurity and attract foreign investment received a boost at the ongoing 41st Trade Expo Indonesia 2026, as a member of the House of Representatives signed a defence manufacturing partnership with an Indonesian firm, while the South South Development Commission (SSDC) seeks investment in the region. 
The lawmaker representing Idemili North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Uchenna Harris Okonkwo, signed a Letter of Agreement–Memorandum of Understanding (LOA-MoU) for the representation of Indonesia’s state-owned defence company, PT Pindad, in Nigeria.
The agreement is expected to create opportunities for local production of defence equipment in partnership with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).
Speaking after the signing at the PT Pindad booth, Okonkwo said the partnership will help address equipment shortages and strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to respond to security challenges.
PT Pindad manufactures defence equipment, artillery, intelligence equipment, ammunition, military vehicles and construction equipment.
The lawmaker said the deal was driven by concerns over the security situation and the need to provide the armed forces with appropriate equipment to protect citizens.
Okonkwo said: “We just signed our LOA-MOU of representation for Pindad in Nigeria. What this will do is that it opens up avenues for local manufacture of defence items in partnership with DICON.
“One of the reasons why we pursue this is because of the issues which we face in security, issues in which we face in equipment that are not fit and suitable for our armed forces, and we want to be able to bridge that gap in order to protect the lives of the citizens of Nigeria”.
He added that the partnership will also cover personnel training, as Nigeria continues to pursue security reforms, including the proposed state policing framework.
Beyond defence cooperation, the lawmaker called for a dedicated digital payment gateway between Nigeria and Indonesia to make trade transactions easier.
He cited Nigerian fintech companies such as Paystack and Moniepoint as examples of platforms that could inform discussions on improving cross-border payments, urging the Central Bank of Nigeria to support efforts towards a more efficient payment system.
SSDC woos Indonesian investors
Meanwhile, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the South South Development Commission, Usoro Akpabio, has urged Indonesian businesses and international investors to move beyond trading with Nigeria and invest directly in industries across the South South region.
Akpabio made the appeal during a Trade and Investment Cooperation Session focused on strengthening economic ties between Indonesia and West Africa.
“I bring warm greetings from Nigeria and the South South region which I have the privilege of serving as Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer of the South South Development Commission, established under the administration of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” she said.
She explained that the commission was established to accelerate regional development through infrastructure, agriculture, industrialisation, human capital development, investment and environmental sustainability.
Describing the South South as a region with significant economic potential, Akpabio said its natural resources, fertile land, waterways and vibrant population can support industries, create jobs and drive long-term prosperity.
“The South South is richly endowed with fertile land, abundant natural resources, valuable cash crops, waterways and a vibrant population. Our ambition is to convert advantages into productive industries, sustainable employment and lasting economic prosperity,” Akpabio stated.
She said Africa needed to move beyond exporting raw materials and focus more on processing, manufacturing and adding value to its resources.
Akpabio identified Indonesia’s experience in oil palm cultivation, agro-processing, industrial development and renewable energy as areas that can provide opportunities for cooperation between both sides.
“Our immediate interest includes improved seedlings, mechanized farming, agriculture research, modern processing facilities. Investments that strengthen production, improve food security and expand both domestic and export market. We are equally interested in developing bio fuels, biodiesel, bioethanol, biogas, glycerine and other industrial byproducts,” she said.
She added that the South South region also offered investment opportunities in the blue economy, manufacturing, infrastructure, tourism, technology and the creative industries.
Calling on Indonesian companies and other international investors to establish businesses in the region, Akpabio pledged the commission’s support in connecting investors with viable projects and facilitating engagement with government agencies, communities and relevant institutions.
“To our Indonesian partners, our international business community here, our invitation is very clear, come beyond trading with us, invest with us, build industries with us and grow with us.
“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 emphasised that cooperation should deliver measurable economic benefits through local industries, skills development and employment.
She said stronger partnerships and regional value chains would improve Africa’s competitiveness, adding that the success of investment agreements should be measured by “industries established, skills acquired, jobs created and lives improved”.
The two engagements took place at the 41st Trade Expo Indonesia 2026, organised with the involvement of the Indonesian Embassy in Abuja, as Nigeria and Indonesia seek to expand trade and attract foreign direct investment.
The broader objective, according to the statement, is to increase annual trade between both countries to at least $6 billion, while attracting investments capable of strengthening local industries, creating jobs and supporting Nigeria’s security needs.
