The Nigerian government on Thursday ruled out the possibility of engaging the services of foreign mercenary to fight security challenges facing the nation.
According to it, taking such steps will not solve the myriad of security problems different parts of the country have to contend with.
The Federal Government however indicated interest in working with China in domesticating production of military equipment to avoid unnecessary delays in relying on foreign countries in procuring such equipment.
Making Nigeria’s position known was the Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar while briefing newsmen at the State House, Abuja in the company of his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, who was on an official visit to Nigeria.
Tuggar said private military companies, no matter where they are coming from are not the solution to tackling Nigeria’s security challenges.
According to him, “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.
“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 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.
“Nigeria is a very responsible country working with the Constitution, and that’s why, and we’ve never had any expansionist tendencies, which is why others reposed so much confidence in us and in our leadership.
“And 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.”
The Minister said Nigeria is a very responsible country working with the Constitution, and that was why it has never had any expansionist tendencies, adding that it was the reason why other countries reposed so much confidence in her leadership abilities.
While welcoming the Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tuggar said the visit was building on the gains of the Forum on China, Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) that took place in September, 2024 and importantly, President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to China which was adjudged by all to be very successful.
He said the Chinese Minister’s discussion with President Tinubu centred on mutual interest, economic, political interests, and the Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) that were signed in numerous areas like energy, communications, agriculture, finance, transportation, infrastructure and petrochemicals.
Also speaking, Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi, who spoke through an interpreter, said through the strategic planning of President Xi Jinping and President Tinubu, China-Nigeria relations have achieved three major outcomes.
He said, “First, we have achieved a new leap in the characterisation of our relations our two 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 vitalisation 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.”
Yi said with the guidance of the two 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 modernisation of Africa.
According to him: “I believe that through the joint efforts of the two sides, the China, Nigeria, comprehensive strategic partnership will surely embrace an even brighter tomorrow”.
Answering reporters’ questions on the proposed currency swap agreement with China, the Minister said it showed how well the country has carried out her financial cooperation and sustained its momentum.
His words, “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.
“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.
“Just a few days ago, Chinese banks supported through financial funds, the building of the phase three of the railway modernisation project, and it has been delivered. So there are many details that are taking place between our cooperation.”
On how China would contribute to upholding Africa’s safeguard of peace and stability, he said, “We all have the issue on the top of all of our minds. In the world today, only through global solidarity can we together respond to the various security challenges.
“At the FOCAC in Beijing Summit, President Xi Jinping announced six propositions and 10 partnership actions for China and Africa to jointly advance modernisation and peace and security are an important part of it.
“China would like to work with Africa to deliver on the global security initiative in Africa and together achieve a modernisation featuring peace and security and build an all-weather, China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.
“China will firmly support Africans in addressing African issues in the African way. African people are the real masters of this continent. They have every wisdom, capability and right to resolve their own issues.
“China opposes foreign interference in the internal affairs of African countries. Firmly supports the African Union and the sub regional organisations in playing a constructive role, supports major African countries in strengthening their leading positions and promoting the resolution of disagreements and disputes through dialogue and consultation and the settlement of hotspot issues through the political way.
“China will firmly support Africa in strengthening peace and security capacity building. We will work with Africa to establish a partnership for implementing the Global Security Initiative, or GSI, and make it a fine example of GSI cooperation.
“We will work to advance the partnership action for common security and provide one billion Yuan of grants in military assistance to Africa and help train 6000 military personnel and 1000 police and law enforcement personnel for African countries.
“China will also continue to support the building of the African standby force and the rapid response forces and support African countries in carrying out counter terrorism peacekeeping operations. China will firmly support Africa in safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests, practicing true multilateralism and not letting power politics and bullyism find their place in Africa.
“At the United Nations Security Council, China’s vote will always go to Africa, and we will continue to speak up for the legitimate voice of African countries at multilateral arena. As the second largest contributor to peacekeeping operations, China will continue to support the United Nations in carrying out peacekeeping operations in Africa.”
He said Nigeria being an important country in Africa and the chair of ECOWAS, plays an important role in safeguarding peace and stability in Western Africa and the Sahel region.
“China supports Nigeria in rallying countries in the region to achieve strength through unity, to build synergy through reconciliation, and to promote security through cooperation, in order to achieve peace and stability in the region, and China, would like to make its contribution to the best of its ability to that end,” he said.
Deji Elumoye
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