China expands military supply pact in Africa with new Nigeria deal
Nigeria is set to begin local production of military-grade ammunition under a new partnership with a leading Chinese defense company.
The agreement, announced by Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle during an official visit to China, includes the construction of production lines for various types of ammunition and servicing of military equipment, marking a significant step toward strengthening Nigeria's defense capabilities.
The meeting follows a March visit by a senior delegation from China's North Industries Corporation (Norinco) to Abuja, marking a significant step in strengthening defense ties between China and Nigeria.
According to a statement issued by the Office of the Director of Information and Public Relations, the Minister said the main objective of the engagement was to formalize a partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Chinese firm and the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).
He noted that under the MoU, the Chinese company has agreed to facilitate the transfer of cutting-edge defence technology to Nigeria, establish local manufacturing facilities for advanced military equipment, and support technical knowledge exchange to enhance the skills of Nigerian personnel.
Other key areas of collaboration include the maintenance and upgrading of existing military hardware, servicing of battle tanks, and offering military engineering services.
Under the MoU, new production lines will be constructed for various ammunition types, including 7.62×51mm ball cartridges, 7.62×51mm blank cartridges, 9×19mm pistol cartridges, and machine gun ammunition.
Additionally, manufacturing workshops and facilities will be established in Kaduna and Kachia, Kaduna State, for the production of brass casings, bullet jackets, and other essential defense components.
Nigeria eyes Chinese air defence systems
Apart from securing the military training and hardware production deal, Nigeria is strengthening its defense ties with China to enhance its air defense systems.
A recent high-level visit by a Nigerian delegation led by Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, Chief of the Air Staff, to China resulted in discussions with key defense contractors, including China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) and China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO).
The talks focused on advanced technologies to support Nigeria's Military Total Radar Coverage (MTRACON) initiative.
The Chinese side showcased defense systems such as high-energy laser counter-drone technologies and the Sky Dragon air defense system.
China's military in Africa
China has continued to exert its influence in Africa through infrastructure financing and military training, particularly through its Peace Unity-2024 project.
The Peace Unity-2024 project focuses on enhancing the capacity of African nations to address regional security challenges.
By offering military training, joint exercises, and defense equipment, China has positioned itself as a significant partner in helping African countries build self-reliant security frameworks.
This project also emphasizes the sharing of military expertise and technology, aimed at improving the operational effectiveness of African armed forces.
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