The Nigerian Federal Government has reiterated its opposition to employing foreign mercenaries to address the nation’s security challenges, emphasizing the unsustainability of such measures.
Instead, the government has prioritized building local capacity for military equipment production through strategic partnerships, particularly with China. This approach aims to reduce reliance on imports and the delays associated with them while fostering self-sufficiency in addressing Nigeria’s security needs.
Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, addressed the issue during a recent briefing, stating that depending on private military contractors, whether foreign or local, is not a long-term solution.
“We are committed to collaborating with partners like China to localize the production of military hardware,” Tuggar noted. “This will enable us to overcome delays and achieve self-reliance in meeting our security demands.” He also stressed the importance of developing both kinetic and non-kinetic military capabilities within Nigeria.
The comments came during the visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, marking a continuation of deepening ties between Nigeria and China. The discussions during Wang’s visit built on agreements made during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to China earlier in 2024.
Key topics included bilateral cooperation in energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and petrochemical development. Wang Yi also praised Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa and urged the country to explore innovative financial tools, such as issuing panda bonds—renminbi-denominated bonds in China’s domestic market—to fund infrastructure projects, including railway modernization.
The ongoing collaboration between Nigeria and China highlights a shared commitment to enhancing regional security and advancing economic growth through mutually beneficial partnerships.
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