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FG Explains Why Nigeria Partners with China to Produce Military Equipment

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Nigeria has embarked on a strategic partnership with China to domesticate the production of military equipment, a move the Federal Government explains is aimed at eliminating the delays and bureaucratic challenges associated with procuring arms from foreign countries. By working with China, Nigeria intends to strengthen its internal security apparatus while fostering technological growth and self-reliance in defense production. This collaboration underscores Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing its security sector with reduced external dependence.


During a joint press briefing in Abuja between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, the Nigerian government reiterated its resolve to minimize external interference in Africa’s security affairs. Tuggar emphasized that Nigeria’s leadership within the continent has been instrumental in addressing regional peace and security issues, often in partnership with major global powers. However, he cautioned that relying on private military companies is not a sustainable solution to the country’s security challenges. Instead, the government believes that working directly with reliable international partners like China can yield more sustainable results.


Tuggar pointed out that the delays inherent in international procurement processes, combined with complex rules and regulations, have hindered Nigeria’s ability to address urgent security needs effectively. To overcome this, domestic production of military equipment, encompassing both kinetic and non-kinetic tools, is seen as a strategic priority. He reiterated Nigeria’s stance on rejecting foreign military interventions and private mercenaries, arguing that solutions to Africa’s security problems should be homegrown and led by Africans themselves. According to him, Nigeria’s constitutional adherence and non-expansionist stance have earned the trust and confidence of other nations, making it a preferred leader in regional cooperation for peace and stability.


The Chinese government, represented by Wang Yi, expressed enthusiasm about deepening its partnership with Nigeria. Wang highlighted the significant achievements resulting from the strengthened bilateral ties under the strategic guidance of President Bola Tinubu and President Xi Jinping. He enumerated three major outcomes of the China-Nigeria relationship: the elevation of their relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, the establishment of a new intergovernmental committee platform, and enhanced coordination in international affairs to promote the development and empowerment of the Global South.


China’s commitment to Nigeria extends beyond military collaboration. Wang highlighted the currency swap policy and the planned issuance of panda bonds as key financial initiatives that reflect China’s confidence in Nigeria’s economic credibility. He noted that the proposed currency swap would facilitate smoother financial cooperation and support Nigeria’s infrastructure projects, particularly in railway development. Wang’s assurances indicate China’s readiness to provide favorable conditions for Nigeria to expand its financial instruments in the Chinese market, further solidifying their economic ties.


Reflecting on over fifty years of diplomatic relations, Wang described the China-Nigeria partnership as a model of South-South cooperation built on mutual respect and equality. He expressed optimism that the strategic relationship would continue to flourish, contributing to the modernization of Africa and the broader objectives of high-quality China-Africa cooperation. According to Wang, the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Nigeria is poised for even greater achievements, driven by shared goals and mutual trust.


The collaboration between Nigeria and China signals a shift towards a more self-reliant defense industry in Africa’s largest economy. The move aligns with global trends where nations prioritize domestic capacity building to mitigate vulnerabilities associated with external dependencies. By partnering with China, Nigeria seeks to leverage China’s technological expertise and production capabilities to develop a robust defense manufacturing sector. This partnership also reflects a broader geopolitical strategy where Nigeria aims to balance relationships with various global powers to enhance its national security and economic growth.



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