China's Nigeria Project

A flotilla of Chinese warships arrived in Lagos, Nigeria’s economic hub on the Gulf of Guinea, on July 2 for a rare West African port call. The detachment, comprising the destroyer Nanning, frigate Sanya and replenishment ship Weishanhu stayed for five days. During the visit, Chinese and Nigerian officials celebrated their bilateral ties. The Nigerian navy said in a press release that the port call was intended to strengthen relations and bolster regional security.

China has developed a growing footprint in Africa in recent years, including strong ties with Nigeria, the continent’s most populous nation. Security has become an important component of the bilateral relationship, with Beijing delivering large quantities of military aid and becoming Nigeria’s biggest arms supplier. This relationship has created unease in the West, where there have been concerns about China establishing a base on the strategic Gulf of Guinea. China’s pursuit of strong ties with Nigeria have also raised questions about its motivations and objectives.

For years, China has invested in Nigeria with the aim of facilitating trade and economic opportunities. At the same time, Nigeria has suffered from a variety of security challenges, opening the door for arms purchases from China. Beijing has also donated military equipment. Experts see the development of security ties as an aspect of Beijing’s larger economic priorities rather than a standalone goal. Nigeria has long faced a host of security issues including insurgency, separatism, armed banditry, violent crime and piracy.

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