By Jemimah Wellington, JKNews
EFFORTS TO address regional security in West Africa have received a boost as Nigeria moves to localise the production of military equipment through a renewed partnership with China.
Speaking on Thursday after leading China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, to meet President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, stated that the collaboration would eliminate delays caused by international procurement processes.
Tuggar also explained that the plan includes producing both kinetic and non-kinetic military equipment locally.
“This partnership will enable us to bypass the delays associated with international procurement and ensure that we can produce equipment domestically. It is part of our broader strategy to address security challenges and strengthen regional stability,” Tuggar said.
In his comments, Wang Yi, through an interpreter, announced that China would provide ¥1 billion (over $130 million) to strengthen African military and police forces.
He added that China would assist in building a standby force to enhance security capabilities across the continent.
“Nigeria’s leadership in West Africa and the Sahel region is critical. China firmly supports Africa in safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests, promoting multilateralism, and addressing security challenges,” Wang said.
The Chinese envoy’s visit builds on agreements reached in 2024 when President Tinubu visited China.
The discussions also align with a 2019 Memorandum of Understanding between Nigeria and China to deepen military cooperation.
Tuggar stressed that Nigeria, as a constitutional and responsible nation, remains committed to tackling security issues without the interference of private military companies.
“Nigeria’s leadership inspires confidence globally. We’ve never had expansionist tendencies, and this collaboration with China underscores our dedication to peaceful solutions,” he said.
Tuggar adds that China’s financial commitment includes the deployment of ¥360 billion in funding support for various partnership actions across Africa as an initiative that aims to promote stability and development while countering external influence and private military interference.
