Nigeria and China have reaffirmed their strategic resolve to strengthen military cooperation and advance their bilateral partnership amid rising global and regional security threats.
The renewed commitment was made during a high-level defence dialogue held on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in Abuja, where top officials from both countries met to review ongoing collaborations and chart new areas of engagement.
The meeting brought together senior representatives of the Nigerian Armed Forces and a Chinese military delegation led by a top-ranking official from the People’s Liberation Army. Discussions focused on expanding joint efforts in military training, intelligence sharing, capacity building, and technology support, especially in the fight against terrorism, maritime piracy, and cross-border crimes.
China applauded Nigeria’s strategic role in maintaining regional peace and security in West Africa, reiterating its willingness to assist in modernizing Nigeria’s defence architecture. According to the visiting Chinese delegates, a resilient Nigerian military is not only crucial to the continent but also to global peace efforts.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led Nigeria’s delegation, expressed deep appreciation for China’s consistent defence and economic support. He highlighted the shared values of sovereignty, mutual trust, and peace, describing the military alliance as a vital pillar in Nigeria’s national security strategy.
“This partnership is not just about hardware or training; it is about building a security framework that is responsive to the challenges of our time,” General Musa stated.
The engagement ended with both countries pledging to deepen military collaboration through sustained diplomatic dialogue, structured cooperation frameworks, and regular joint programmes. The move reflects Nigeria and China’s shared vision for a more secure and stable international order.
