In a pivotal diplomatic move, China has endorsed Nigeria’s leadership within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and its ongoing counter-terrorism initiatives.
The commitment was articulated in a joint statement following a meeting between Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Tuesday.
President Xi praised Nigeria’s efforts to promote regional stability and expressed China’s readiness to bolster Nigeria’s military capabilities and intelligence operations. The two leaders underscored the necessity of collaboration in maintaining peace and security in the Sahel and Gulf of Guinea regions.
The meeting resulted in the signing of multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at enhancing cooperation in diverse sectors, including nuclear energy and human resource development. As the current ECOWAS Chairman, President Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s potential to drive economic growth and stability in West Africa.
China’s support extends to upgrading Nigeria’s military equipment and intelligence gathering capabilities, which will enhance Nigeria’s ability to address both traditional and non-traditional security challenges.
The joint statement read:
“The two sides agreed to strengthen coordination and cooperation in multilateral affairs and jointly uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core, the international order underpinned by international law, and the basic norms governing international relations guided by the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter.
“The two sides advocate for an equal and orderly multi-polar world, inclusive economic globalization, and joint efforts to uphold peace, development, equity, justice, democracy, and freedom. China commends Nigeria’s leadership role in ECOWAS and its efforts to bring stability to the region, supporting Nigeria in its fight against terrorism and regional conflict management.
“China will assist Nigeria in capacity building, including upgrading military technology and intelligence capabilities, to effectively tackle security challenges domestically, regionally, and internationally. The two countries are committed to strengthening exchanges and cooperation between their security agencies to safeguard national sovereignty, security interests, and regional and global peace.”
