Nigeria and China are set to enhance their military collaboration by focusing on training and local arms manufacturing. This partnership comes in the wake of China’s announcement of a CN¥1 billion grant aimed at training over 7,000 military personnel across various countries, including Nigeria.
The disclosure was made by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, following a meeting between President Bola Tinubu and China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja. Tuggar highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to self-reliance in military production, stating, “We want to work with countries like China in domesticating the production of military equipment, both kinetic and non-kinetic. This will eliminate delays and bureaucratic hurdles associated with external procurement.”
During the meeting, Tuggar emphasized the need for collaborative solutions, saying, “Let us work together towards solving our problems by ourselves. Private military companies, regardless of their origin, are not the answer. Nigeria, as a responsible nation with no expansionist tendencies, can lead others in addressing these challenges through strategic partnerships.” This partnership underscores Nigeria’s dedication to fostering local military production capabilities while addressing security challenges through strategic alliances.
China’s Expanding Influence in Nigeria’s Defence Sector
China is looking to expand its military and economic influence in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous and largest economy, by establishing its military industry in the country. During his visit to the Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, in Abuja in November 2023, China’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jian Chun, revealed Beijing’s intention to support local production of military equipment in Nigeria.
According to Chun, China aims to leverage Nigeria’s abundant natural and human resources to benefit Chinese corporations based in the country. He stated, “Nigeria is a large country just like China, and we are willing to build our military industries in Nigeria to support local production of military equipment.” Chun also indicated that Chinese industries would not only boost the fight against insurgency and other related crimes but also support the Federal Government’s drive for employment generation. He added that China and Nigeria have existing investments in security, education, and the economy, and that Nigeria has the potential to develop a new economy.
Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1971, China and Nigeria have deepened cooperation in various fields, including trade and people-to-people exchanges. With their bilateral trade hitting $22.56 billion in 2023, China and Nigeria took a major step forward by establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership in September 2024.
From January 5 to 11, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited the four African countries of Namibia, the Republic of the Congo, Chad and Nigeria. Wang’s visit has continued the tradition of a Chinese foreign minister visiting Africa as the first overseas trip of the year for 35 consecutive years.
Over the years, Chinese defense companies have enjoyed export success to African militaries. This continued partnership between Nigeria and China exemplifies the strengthening of bilateral ties and shared strategic goals. The collaboration is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing Nigeria’s defense capabilities and fostering economic growth.
Nigeria has procured a wide variety of combat systems from China which includes 105 mm Fire Support Vehicle, VT-4 Main Battle Tank, SH-5 105mm self-propelled Artillery System, and SH-2 122mm self-propelled artillery systems. These hardware arrived in April 2020.
Subsequent delivery of additional hardware comprising of VT4 main battle tanks, ST1 120 mm tanks destroyers, SH2, SH4 self-propelled artillery, and KIA tactical vehicles arrived in October 2020.
The Nigerian Army already operates 120 NORINCO CS/VP3 Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle (MRAP) delivered in 2015.
On July 2023, a naval fleet from China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) made a significant voyage to Nigeria, marking a rare visit by the Chinese military to Africa’s Atlantic coast. Led by the destroyer Nanning, the fleet arrived on Sunday, highlighting China’s ongoing efforts to expand its influence in the region.
The Chinese ambassador to Nigeria hailed this five-day visit as a milestone in the bilateral relationship between the two countries. In a statement issued by the Chinese embassy on Monday, the Nigerian navy also expressed its willingness to collaborate with China to address maritime security threats and maintain stability in the Gulf of Guinea.
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Chi Chun, said the visit of the delegation from China “is to deepen the relationship between the two countries and also seek improved cooperation with each other.
Likewise, in 2022, China delivered a 46 meters patrol boats and other military equipment to the Nigerian Navy.
Receiving the equipment, the Minister of Defence, retired Major General Bashir Magashi, said the gesture was a consolidation of the bilateral defence agreement between the two countries.
