Domesticate Military Equipment Production In Nigeria – FG Begs China
- Insists external interference can’t help Africa
- China applauds panda bond’s floating
BY EDMOND ODOK – The Federal Government says Nigeria is ready to collaborate with China in domesticating production of military equipment in the country to avoid the unnecessary delays and over-reliance on foreign countries for supplies.
This is as the Chinese government has lauded Nigeria’s plan to float panda bond in China through its currency swap policy, describing it as a forward-looking development policy.
These were among the key highlights from Thursday’s joint media briefing by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, who is on an official visit to Nigeria.
Speaking at the briefing held inside the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Ambassador Tuggar said Nigeria remains a very responsible country working with the Constitution, and has never demonstrated any expansionist tendencies in the relationship with its neighbours.
He said this mature diplomatic stand has been the major reason other countries reposed so much confidence in Nigeria’s leadership abilities on many fronts.
Ambassador Tuggar, who specifically expressed the Federal Government’s desire to partner with the Chinese government in the area of producing military equipment, said; “And also, we want to work with countries like China in domesticating production of military equipment, both kinetic and non-kinetic.
“This is what we’re looking for. So that we don’t have to go out looking to procure because of the delays and so many rules and regulations. We need to be able to produce locally.
“Nigeria is a very responsible country working with the Constitution. And we’ve never had any expansionist tendencies, which is why others reposed so much confidence in us and in our leadership.
“We will continue to work with countries such as China in addressing these challenges and rely on countries such as China, also, to work with us towards ensuring that private military country companies outside interference remains outside.”
While also speaking against the issue of foreign interference, Ambassador Tuggar said private military companies, no matter where they are coming from, are not the solution to tackling the Nigeria’s security challenges.
He explained his position thus; “Nigeria has consistently proved effective in leading other countries in our region, and I would even say, on the continent at large, in addressing challenges to peace and security.
“And we do this whenever we partner with other countries and have their support, including major powers that are outside of our region, outside of Africa, and we appreciate that sort of approach.
“And this is why we work well with countries like China. Where we have a problem is whenever Nigeria is left out of such arrangements, it becomes more challenging.
“And it’s not just a one-off thing. It’s not a fluke. It is because of Nigeria’s place and position on the continent and in our region. And that’s why we take a firm stand and say, let us work together towards solving our problems by ourselves.
“Let us shun this idea of allowing others to come in to solve our problems for us.
“So private military companies, as far as we are concerned, it doesn’t matter whether they’re from north, south, east, west; we don’t think it is going to provide the panacea.
“But when you work with us, then we’re able to lead others in solving the problem.”
In his intervention at the media briefing, the Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang, noted that the strategic planning of President Xi Jinping and President Tinubu, China-Nigeria relations have achieved three major outcomes.
He listed the outcomes as: “First, we have achieved a new leap in the characterization of our relations. Our presidents jointly announced the elevation of China-Nigeria relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
“Second, we have worked together to establish a new platform. The first plenary session of the Intergovernmental Committee between China and Nigeria has been successfully held, contributing to the elevation in quality of our cooperation.
“Third, our cooperation at the international arena has reached new heights. Our two sides have coordinated closely in international and regional affairs and worked together for the collective rise, development and vitalization of the Global South.
“Over more than half a century since the establishment of diplomatic ties, no matter how changes occur in the international landscape, China and Nigeria have always in the spirit of mutual respect and equality, deepened our friendship and pursued practical cooperation, setting a fine example of South-South cooperation, and an important exemplar of China Africa cooperation.”
According to the Chinese Minister, said under the guidance of both presidents, the relationship between the two countries would continue to be strategic, exemplary, and provide momentum and confidence for high quality development of China-Africa cooperation and the modernization of Africa.
“I believe that through the joint efforts of the two sides, the China, Nigeria, comprehensive strategic partnership will surely embrace an even brighter tomorrow,” Yi said.
On the currency swap arrangement between Nigeria and China, Minister Yi said it is a factual demonstration of the country’s robust and sustained engagements in its financial cooperation with other nations.
“As with regard to Nigeria’s wish to increase the line of the currency swap, we will favourably study and consider the issue. Our cooperation is going well in many ways, in terms of finance.”
To further drive home his points, the Chinese Foreign Minister said; “For instance, we welcome the panda bonds to be issued. We welcome Nigeria to issue panda bonds in China, because we have full confidence in Nigeria’s credibility.
“And by issuing panda bonds, Nigeria will gain good revenue and the safety is guaranteed through financial support, we are working to contribute to Nigeria’s infrastructure development in particular railway.”
Available statistics indicate that as of 2023, the trade volume between Nigeria and China was $22.56 billion. This was one of the highest trade volumes in Africa, and the two countries have been strengthening their relationship for over 50 years.
Nigeria is China’s third-largest trading partner in Africa and both countries have enjoyed warm bi-lateral relations since 1971.
Experts maintained that high-level visits between the two countries, such as President Bola Tinubu’s visit to China in September 2024, have helped strengthen the existing ties.
