The Federal Government of Nigeria has reiterated its stance against deploying foreign mercenaries to tackle security challenges, emphasizing that such measures are not sustainable.
Instead, the government is pursuing a partnership with China to localize military equipment production, aiming to reduce reliance on external procurement and associated delays.
This strategic move underscores Nigeria's commitment to enhancing self-reliance and strengthening its defense capabilities.
This stance was emphasized on Thursday during a joint press briefing by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The Chinese Foreign Minister was on an official visit to Nigeria to strengthen bilateral ties.
The visit underscores the deepening partnership between Nigeria and China. Both countries reaffirm their commitment to strategic cooperation in addressing regional security challenges and fostering economic growth.
Speaking at the briefing, Ambassador Tuggar emphasized that private military companies, regardless of their origin, are not the solution to Nigeria’s security issues. He called for collective efforts within the region, stressing Nigeria’s leadership role in addressing peace and security challenges on the continent.