Nigeria has signed a sweeping military agreement with China, deepening ties with Beijing as it moves to localize arms production and shift away from U.S. influence.
At a Glance
- Nigeria signed a major military deal with China’s NORINCO.
- Agreement includes building ammunition factories in Kaduna State.
- The pact addresses dissatisfaction with U.S. limitations under the Leahy Laws.
- Technology transfer and military training are core elements of the deal.
- China will also refurbish Nigeria’s air defenses and conduct joint exercises.
China Steps In Where the U.S. Steps Back
Frustrated by perceived U.S. inaction and restrictions on arms transfers due to Leahy Law provisions, Nigeria has taken a dramatic pivot toward Beijing. The new defense partnership, signed with China North Industries Group Corporation (NORINCO), signals a decisive move to reduce reliance on Western powers and tap into China’s expanding military-industrial reach.
At the heart of the agreement is the construction of local ammunition production lines—including 7.62×51mm and 9×19mm cartridges—with workshops planned in Kaduna and Kachia. The initiative represents a bold step toward national self-sufficiency in arms manufacturing.
Watch a report: China signs arms factory deal with Nigeria.
Weapons, Workshops, and War Games
The deal goes far beyond bullets. NORINCO will deliver comprehensive support, including technology transfers, training programs, and the servicing of Nigeria’s battle tanks. Advanced systems—such as the Sky Dragon air defense platform and high-energy laser counter-drone weapons—are set to modernize Nigeria’s military infrastructure.
Under “Peace Unity-2024,” both nations will participate in joint drills and intelligence sharing, reflecting China’s increasing military footprint across Africa. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to strengthening anti-terror efforts on the continent.
Strategic Realignment in Africa
With this move, Nigeria and China have elevated their partnership to a “comprehensive strategic” level. The timing is crucial: Nigeria seeks to stabilize internal security threats from Boko Haram and banditry, while China aims to deepen its geopolitical foothold amid rising Western disengagement.
Critics warn this alignment could tilt Africa’s military alliances and increase dependency on Chinese hardware and doctrine. But for Nigerian leaders, the shift represents progress—a chance to control its defense supply chain and address gaps that the West, until now, left open.
Whether this will enhance Nigeria’s long-term security or tether it more closely to China’s global ambitions remains to be seen. What’s clear is this: Africa’s defense future is no longer being written in Washington—it’s being forged in Beijing.
