Kehinde Fajobi
The Federal Government has reiterated its opposition to using private military companies to address Nigeria’s security challenges, asserting that such measures would not provide lasting solutions.
Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, made this clear on Thursday during a joint press briefing with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Tuggar said, “Private military companies, no matter where they come from, are not the solution to tackling our security challenges.
“Nigeria has consistently proven effective in leading peace and security initiatives within our region and across the continent when working collaboratively with other nations.
“This is why we emphasise solving our problems ourselves and shun external interference.”
The minister expressed Nigeria’s commitment to partnering with China to domesticate the production of military equipment, avoiding delays and restrictions that arise from reliance on foreign procurement.
“We want to work with countries like China in domesticating the production of both kinetic and non-kinetic military equipment.
“This will eliminate delays caused by rules and regulations, ensuring we can respond swiftly to our security needs,” Tuggar stated.
China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, praised Nigeria’s plan to issue panda bonds through its currency swap policy, describing it as a testament to the strong financial cooperation between the two nations.
Wang added, “We welcome Nigeria’s decision to issue panda bonds in China, as we have full confidence in Nigeria’s credibility.
“This initiative will generate good revenue and guarantee financial safety while supporting Nigeria’s infrastructure development, particularly railway modernisation.”
Wang highlighted the achievements in China-Nigeria relations, including the recent elevation of their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
“This relationship, under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Tinubu, has reached new heights.
“Our cooperation exemplifies South-South collaboration and provides momentum for China-Africa development,” Wang said.
Addressing peace and security, Wang assured China’s commitment to supporting Africa’s efforts to resolve its challenges internally.
“China firmly opposes foreign interference in African affairs and supports African solutions for African problems.
“We will contribute 1 billion yuan in military assistance to Africa, train 6,000 military personnel and 1,000 law enforcement officers, and support the African Union’s peacekeeping operations,” he stated.
He also commended Nigeria’s leadership in promoting stability in West Africa and the Sahel, promising China’s continued support in these efforts.
“Nigeria’s role as ECOWAS chair underscores its importance in safeguarding regional security. China stands ready to assist in achieving peace and stability in the region,” Wang concluded.
Tuggar noted that these collaborations build on the successes of President Tinubu’s recent state visit to China and the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.
The partnerships span critical sectors such as energy, agriculture, communications, finance, and petrochemicals, with a shared vision of fostering development and ensuring security.