The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its stance against the employment of foreign mercenaries to address its security issues, asserting that such measures will not effectively resolve the underlying problems.
Additionally, the government has expressed a desire to collaborate with China on local production of military equipment, aiming to eliminate delays associated with dependence on foreign suppliers.
This development comes as the Chinese government has shown enthusiasm regarding Nigeria’s initiative to issue panda bonds in China as part of its currency swap strategy.
These points were highlighted during a joint press conference held on Thursday between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Wang Yi was in Nigeria for an official visit. During the press briefing, Minister Tuggar emphasized that private military companies, regardless of their origin, are not a viable solution to Nigeria’s security challenges.
He stated, “Nigeria has consistently demonstrated its capability in leading regional efforts to address peace and security issues, particularly when we collaborate with other nations and receive their support, including from major powers beyond our region and Africa. We value this collaborative approach.
Nigeria’s situation is not an isolated incident; it is not merely a coincidence. It stems from Nigeria’s strategic role on the continent and within our region. Therefore, we firmly advocate for collaborative efforts to address our challenges independently, rejecting the notion of external entities resolving our issues for us.
Regarding private military companies, we believe their origin—whether from the north, south, east, or west—does not offer a comprehensive solution. Our approach emphasizes collaboration, enabling us to guide others in effectively tackling these challenges.
Additionally, we aim to partner with nations like China to enhance local production of both kinetic and non-kinetic military equipment. This initiative is crucial to minimize reliance on external procurement, which often involves delays and complex regulations, allowing us to produce what we need domestically.
Nigeria is a responsible nation that operates within the framework of its Constitution. Our lack of expansionist ambitions has fostered significant trust in our leadership from other countries.
We will persist in our collaboration with countries such as China to confront these challenges and ensure that the influence of foreign private military companies remains at bay.
“The challenge arises when Nigeria is excluded from such arrangements, which complicates our efforts.”
The Minister emphasized that Nigeria is a highly responsible nation that adheres to its Constitution, which is why it has never exhibited expansionist ambitions. This commitment is also a key reason why other nations have such strong confidence in Nigeria’s leadership capabilities.
During the reception of the Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tuggar noted that this visit builds upon the achievements of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in 2024, as well as President Bola Tinubu’s successful state visit to China.
He highlighted those discussions with President Tinubu focused on shared economic and political interests, along with the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) across various sectors, including energy, communications, agriculture, finance, transportation, infrastructure, and petrochemicals.
In his remarks, the Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi, stated that the strategic vision of President Xi Jinping and President Tinubu has led to three significant outcomes in China-Nigeria relations.
He noted, “Firstly, we have made a significant advancement in defining our relationship, with both Presidents announcing the elevation of China-Nigeria relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
“Secondly, we have collaborated to create a new platform. The inaugural plenary session of the Intergovernmental Committee between China and Nigeria has been successfully conducted, enhancing the quality of our cooperation.
“Lastly, our collaboration on the international stage has reached unprecedented levels. Our two nations have closely coordinated in international and regional matters, working together for the collective advancement, development, and revitalization of the Global South.
