By Mike Odeh James Olikita Ekani
(Lagos) Despite France’s military and economic setbacks in Sahelian Africa in the past three years, Nigeria has bucked this trend.
Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office, Nigeria’s ties with France have strengthened significantly in military, economic, and diplomatic ties.
The Chief of the Nigeria Air Force announced on December 4, 2024, that Nigeria would acquire 12 former French Air Force Alpha Jets, six of which would be restored to operational status, while the remaining six would be used for spare parts.
The acquisition of the ex-French Alpha Jets is seen as a significant boost to the NAF’s capabilities, particularly in its efforts to combat insurgency and terrorism in the country.
In another significant move aimed at solidifying the relationship between Abuja and Paris, the Nigerian Navy, in collaboration with the French Navy Special Forces and the French Army Amphibious Detachment, conducted a joint maritime exercise codenamed “Crocodile Lift 2024” on November 24, 2024.
The exercise, which took place in Lagos, aimed to combat maritime crimes such as crude oil theft and piracy. It featured a variety of tactical operations designed to bolster Nigeria’s maritime security.
Rear Admiral Shehu Gombe described the exercise as a simulation of amphibious operations, involving a simulated hostage rescue operation. Troops successfully recovered hostages, conducted medical evacuations, and executed amphibious landings.
David Onyilokwu Idah, Special Representative of the International Human Rights Commission, IHRC, recently shared insights with TruthNigeria on the strengthening ties between Nigeria and France. The acquisition of air assets from France and joint drills between the French and Nigerian navies demonstrate a growing relationship between Abuja and Paris, according to Idah.
“This development is particularly significant, given the recent rejection of French military and diplomatic assets by countries surrounding Nigeria”, Idah said, suggesting that Nigeria is solidifying its position with Western nations.
Four African Countries Sever Military Ties with France
A significant shift in alliances has already emerged in the Sahel region. Four countries – Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Chad – have severed their military ties with France, their former colonial power. This move marks a notable departure from the region’s historical relationships with Western nations.
The move comes after elected presidents of each of these countries were dislodged by military coups, leading to a re-evaluation of their relationships with the former colonial power. Mali was the first to announce its decision in 2022, citing “flagrant violations” of its national sovereignty by French troops.
The other three countries followed suit, with Burkina Faso terminating its 2018 military agreement with France in 2022, Niger expelling the French ambassador and terminating its defense agreement in 2023, and Chad breaking off its defense agreement with France in 2024.
The severing of military ties with France marks a significant turning point in the relationships between these African countries and their former colonial power.
France exits Africa as Russia, China, and Turkey Fill Vacuum
As France exits Sahelian Africa, the United States is facing a new challenge. Russia, China, and Turkey are stepping in to fill the military and economic void, posing significant strategic challenges for the West, particularly the United States.
Russia and China are gradually gaining influence, Idah tells TruthNigeria.
“Russia has been particularly active in expanding its influence in Africa, with the Wagner Group, a private military company, deploying troops to several countries, including Mali and the Central African Republic, while China has increased its economic and military presence through infrastructure projects and a military base in Djibouti,” he said.
Turkey is also expanding its influence in Africa, particularly in Somalia, where it has established a military base and is exploring energy sources. Turkish defense products, such as the Bayraktar TB-2 UAVs, are gaining popularity in Africa, with countries such as Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Nigeria becoming customers. Proforce Nigeria Limited, well known for armored vehicle manufacturing in Nigeria has launched a technical collaboration with Atesci, a major Turkish arms producer, specifically for ammunition production.
“The growing influence of Russia, China, and Turkey in Africa poses significant challenges for the West, particularly the United States, which has long seen Africa as a key region for strategic competition,” Idah went on to say.
Nigeria Refuses To Bow To Pressure To Tilt Towards Russia
Nigeria is charting its own course, refusing to follow in the footsteps of its neighboring countries, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Chad, according to Friday Ameh Agbo, Deputy Director of Alter Konsult, a policy-analysis think tank based in Kaduna.
“President Bola Tinubu has visited France more than twice since he was elected in May 29, 2024. He signed many bilateral agreements with France and other countries of West Africa.”
These diplomatic efforts have yielded tangible results, with more Western companies seeking to explore business opportunities in Nigeria.
“We have also seen more western companies seek to explore business opportunities in Nigeria,” Agbo said. “Similarly, the German President visited a few days ago,” Agbo added.
The Deputy Director of Alter Konsult shared his insights on Nigeria’s stance in the event of a crisis between the United States and Russia or China. Nigeria is likely to support the United States, Agbo said. However, he notes that the actions of the United States, particularly under the Democrats, have created distance between Nigeria and the West.
“The way the United States Government reacts to Nigeria has forced Abuja to cosy up to China and Russia,” Agbo said. He recalls the trauma of Washington blocking hindered Nigeria’s efforts to acquire arms to fight Boko Haram in 2014. Under President Obama, the US stopped Israel from selling Apache helicopters to Nigeria.
Likewise, when Nigeria attempted to buy South African weapons through the black market, US intelligence intervened, leading to the seizure of the aircraft and detention of Nigerians involved in the deal.
These actions have driven Nigeria to seek alternative partnerships, particularly with China and Russia. Nigeria’s relationship with the United States is complex, and while the country may support the US in a crisis, its interactions with China and Russia are also crucial to its interests, according to Agbo.
Mike Odeh James is a Conflict Reporter with TruthNigeria.
