Nigeria, China Deepen Strategic Partnership in Military, Economy Activities
Nigeria and China are charting new paths in their bilateral relationship, focusing on military training, local arms production, and financial collaboration to address shared security and economic challenges.
The commitment was made during the visit of China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, to Nigeria as part of his four-nation African tour. The high-level discussions, which included President Bola Tinubu and Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, emphasized the need for African-led solutions to regional insecurity and deeper economic ties.
However, Nigeria’s drive for self-reliance in military equipment was a focal point. Minister Tuggar highlighted the importance of domestic arms production to reduce delays in procurement and enhance Nigeria’s capability to address terrorism and other security threats.
“We need to produce locally,” Tuggar stated, stressing that reliance on external supplies undermines frontline operations. He added that Nigeria’s leadership role in West Africa demands proactive collaboration with partners like China to foster regional stability.
Read Also:
China pledged to support these efforts, committing a CN¥1 billion military assistance package to Africa. This includes training 6,000 military personnel, 1,000 law enforcement officers, and supporting the African Standby Force. Wang Yi reaffirmed Beijing’s opposition to external interference in Africa’s affairs, advocating for solutions led by African nations.
Also, economic collaboration was another cornerstone of the discussions. President Tinubu urged China to expand the $2 billion currency swap agreement, initially signed in 2018, to bolster trade and stabilize Nigeria’s foreign reserves. He also called for an upward review of China’s $50 billion aid package for Africa to meet the continent’s growing infrastructural needs.
Wang Yi signaled China’s willingness to study Nigeria’s requests, emphasizing the potential of Panda bonds—renminbi-denominated bonds issued by foreign entities in China’s domestic market. By tapping into this financial tool, Nigeria could access additional revenue streams to fund critical infrastructure projects like railway modernization.
President Tinubu also sought China’s support for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent United Nations Security Council seat, citing the country’s leadership role in West Africa. Wang Yi echoed this sentiment, describing Nigeria as a vital partner in maintaining peace and stability in the Sahel and ECOWAS region.
The meeting underscored the momentum in China-Nigeria relations, elevated last year to a comprehensive strategic partnership. Beyond security, the partnership extends to trade, agriculture, and infrastructure development, reflecting a shared vision of mutual prosperity.
As Nigeria strengthens ties with China, the collaboration marks a significant step toward addressing regional challenges while positioning Africa as a global security and economic player.
