Nigeria has reached a significant agreement with Chinese arms manufacturers to establish an ammunition factory within the country.
South China Morning Post (SCMP) reports On Friday, the deal involves “construction of ammunition production lines, maintenance and upgrades of military hardware, servicing of combat tanks, military engineering services,” as well as “technology transfer and training for Nigerian defense officials.”
The Memorandum of Understanding between China and Nigeria (MOU) details that Nigeria’s new ammunition factory will manufacture “7.62 x 51mm ball cartridges, 7.62 x 51mm blank cartridges, 9 x 19mm pistol cartridges, and machine gun ammo.”
While the Nigerian Ministry of Defense did not reveal the names of the Chinese firms involved in a statement made on May 6, there was a photograph featuring officials inspecting equipment from China’s North Industries Group Corporation (Norinco), which is a state-owned arms manufacturer.SCMP added.
Reportedly, Norinco has also pledged to assist Nigeria in enhancing air defense systems, which includes radar and anti-drone weaponry.
Historically, Nigeria leaned more towards Western alliances until former US President Barack Obama’s second term. This shift coincided with the rise of China’s influence in Africa, which many believe happened too late for the US to counter effectively.
In 2015, Obama attempted to reassure African leaders and reinforce US partnerships over Chinese ones, but many felt his efforts were insufficient, even disrespectful.
He often declined to meet with individual leaders to address their concerns, which didn’t sit well. The Ebola outbreak from 2014 to 2015 complicated his diplomatic outreach significantly.
Chinese media criticized Obama’s efforts, noting that his speeches did not match the scale of China’s investments and quickly expanding trade with Africa, particularly in fossil fuel exports from countries like Nigeria.
His successor, Joe Biden, aimed for a “reset” in relations with African countries, citing initiatives worth billions, yet struggled to make any notable advancements in diplomacy.
In fact, his administration lost influence in nations like Niger and Chad. Regional leaders echoed complaints that Biden lacked strength and that his administration’s approach felt condescending.
In Nigeria, although the US maintains a notable trade connection, there has been disappointment regarding security cooperation since Obama’s tenure. Boko Haram, linked to the Islamic State, shocked international observers in 2014 by kidnapping hundreds of Nigerian schoolgirls.
Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari claimed in 2015 that the Obama administration indirectly aided Boko Haram by withholding military support needed to combat extremism.
This reluctance stemmed from the Leahy Law, which prohibits US military aid to foreign security forces accused of human rights violations. The law has been in effect since 2008, with amendments added in 2011.
Buhari argued that while allegations of human rights abuses against security forces existed, Boko Haram represented a far worse human rights crisis. The lack of American military support led many to conclude Obama’s words about fighting Boko Haram were unsubstantiated.
China’s approach to developing relationships with third world countries often focuses on a promise not to intervene in issues of human rights or governance. Nigeria began expanding its military cooperation with China around the mid-2010s, resulting in a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” announcement in April 2025.
The partnership clearly includes military support for Nigeria concerning Boko Haram and other extremist threats. During a recent visit from the Chinese president in January, a commitment was made to assist in training about 6,000 African counterterrorism forces, structured similarly to China’s Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
