ABUJA, NIGERIA — In a move that has reshaped Nigeria’s defence procurement strategy and sparked diplomatic tensions with France, President Bola Tinubu has reversed an initial decision to award a military contract to French defence firms, choosing U.S.-manufactured rifles instead.
According to an exclusive report by HuhuOnline on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, the rifles will be assembled domestically under a joint venture between DICON Gray Insignia (DGI) and the Nigerian Defense Industries Corporation (DICON), reshaping Nigeria’s defence procurement strategy and sparking diplomatic tensions with France.
The decision, which came after direct intervention from U.S. President Donald Trump, signals a significant shift in Nigeria’s defense partnerships and has been seen as part of Washington’s broader efforts to counter European and Chinese influence in Africa’s arms industry.
Reversal of French Deal
The original arms contract, backed by Nigerian Defense Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar and Chief of Defense Staff General Christopher Gwabin Musa, had favoured French defence manufacturers.
The deal was reportedly secured when Abubakar visited Paris in November 2024, as part of President Tinubu’s delegation to France.
However, in an unexpected reversal, Tinubu overruled his defense minister and military leadership, opting for a U.S.-led partnership through DGI, a collaboration between DICON and private Nigerian firm Gray Insignia.
The arrangement will see rifles manufactured in the U.S. before being assembled in Nigeria, aligning with the government’s goal of boosting local production and reducing reliance on foreign arms imports.
Sources within Nigeria’s defense and security apparatus, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the reversal was heavily influenced by U.S. diplomatic pressure.
Trump, known for his “America First” policy, reportedly leveraged U.S. intelligence agencies to push Tinubu toward the deal, securing a significant win for American defense firms.
Diplomatic Fallout with France
The shift has strained relations between Nigeria and France, with French President Emmanuel Macron summoning Tinubu to Paris for discussions.
Instead of flying directly to Addis Ababa for the African Union summit, Tinubu made a seven-hour detour to France before continuing to Ethiopia.
Macron’s concerns stem from the broader pattern of declining French influence in West Africa, where countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have expelled French troops and distanced themselves from Paris-backed regional blocs.
Nigeria’s sudden shift away from a French defense deal further underscores the erosion of France’s geopolitical foothold in the region.
A Broader Strategy for Nigerian Military Modernization
Nigeria’s decision to favour the U.S. in this contract is part of a wider effort to modernize its defence industry.
The country has been actively expanding its local weapons manufacturing capabilities, with the Kaduna-based DICON factory producing Norinco AK-47s and Turkish Barer military uniforms in a bid to reduce reliance on expensive imports.
The DICON-Sur Corporate Wear Nigeria Ltd, a joint venture with Turkey’s Barer Holding, is already producing over 1.25 million sets of military uniforms annually, employing more than 1,000 Nigerian workers.
With the latest contract, DICON aims to scale up domestic arms production, a move that aligns with Tinubu’s economic and security priorities.
Regional and Global Implications
The Trump-backed arms deal has far-reaching consequences, not just for Nigeria but for the broader defense landscape in Africa.
The U.S. is intensifying its presence on the continent, competing against France, China, and Russia for influence in the defense sector.
France, which has long considered West Africa within its sphere of influence, is likely to retaliate diplomatically and economically, though it remains unclear how that will unfold.
Meanwhile, the deal positions Nigeria as a potential future hub for arms assembly and production in Africa, a strategic play that could strengthen its regional security role.
With Nigeria’s security challenges, including ongoing insurgencies and instability in its northern regions, a well-equipped and self-reliant military remains a top priority.
Whether the U.S.-Nigeria partnership will deliver long-term defence autonomy or lead to deeper American involvement in the country’s security affairs remains to be seen.
For now, Nigeria’s pivot to American arms marks a turning point, signalling the country’s willingness to shake up traditional alliances in pursuit of its military and economic interests.
