The Nigerian government has re-echoed its leadership role in the West African region, saying it will continue to partner with other countries in proffering solutions to the challenges confronting the region.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar reiterated this on Thursday while addressing journalists after leading the Chinese Foreign Minister to meet President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja.
Tuggar emphasized Nigeria’s willingness to collaborate with China to localise the production of military equipment.
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He explained that “the partnership would help eliminate delays in acquiring such equipment and circumvent the complexities associated with international procurement regulations.
“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 and the delays and you know, so many rules and regulations we need to be able to produce locally.”
The Minister upheld that Nigeria as a responsible nation that adheres to its Constitution, will continue to collaborate with nations like China to address challenges and ensure that private military companies from outside do not interfere in its affairs.
Partnership with China
Tuggar said that such a partnership with China is crucial for maintaining stability and security.
“Nigeria is a very responsible country working with the Constitution, and that’s why, we’ve never had any expansionist tendencies, which is why others reposed so much confidence in us and 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 remain outside.” The Minister added.
Nigeria had in 2019 signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the People’s Republic of China in the area of military to military relations.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
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