China Approves RMB 200m Grant for Nigeria as Envoy Meets Foreign Ministry Permanent Secretary

By: Michael Mike

China has announced a RMB 200 million grant to Nigeria to support the implementation of development projects agreed upon by the two governments, in a fresh demonstration of Beijing’s expanding economic partnership with Abuja.

The announcement was made on Thursday by the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Yu Dunhai, during a meeting with the Permanent Secretary of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Dunoma Umar Ahmed, in Abuja.

Yu said the grant was part of China’s continuing support for Nigeria’s national development and economic growth, stressing that the assistance would be deployed to projects jointly agreed by the two governments.

He said the latest commitment underscored the depth of relations between both countries, which have maintained diplomatic ties for 55 years.

According to the envoy, China-Nigeria relations have remained at the forefront of China-Africa relations and, under the strategic leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the bilateral relationship has entered a new phase of high-quality development.

Yu said Beijing and Abuja had maintained close communication and coordination while working to implement agreements reached by their two leaders, as well as the outcomes of the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit.

He added that the objective was to ensure that the benefits of bilateral cooperation translated into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens of both countries.

Responding, the Nigerian Permanent Secretary thanked the Chinese government for what he described as its concrete support for Nigeria’s economic and social development.

Ahmed said the RMB 200 million grant demonstrated China’s commitment as a major global partner and reflected the deep friendship between Nigeria and China.

He assured that Nigeria would ensure the effective utilisation of the grant and work closely with China to implement the bilateral agreements and common understandings reached by both governments.

The Permanent Secretary said such cooperation would further strengthen Nigeria-China relations while delivering greater benefits to the peoples of both countries.

The fresh financial commitment comes as Abuja and Beijing continue to deepen cooperation in infrastructure, trade, investment, development financing and other strategic sectors, with both governments seeking to translate their comprehensive strategic partnership into concrete development outcomes.

China Approves RMB 200m Grant for Nigeria as Envoy Meets Foreign Ministry Permanent Secretary

Tinubu Approves Up to 80% Salary Increase for Armed Forces Personnel

By Zagazola Makama

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a new salary structure for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, with increases ranging from 30 to 80 per cent, in a major welfare package aimed at boosting the morale of troops engaged in counter-insurgency and other internal security operations.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, about 250,000 military personnel will benefit from the new salary adjustment, which takes effect from Sept. 1, 2026.

Under the approved structure, officers above the rank of colonel—including Brigadier Generals, Major Generals, Lieutenant Generals and Generals—will receive a 30 per cent salary increase.

Personnel from the rank of Colonel down to Warrant Officer will enjoy a 50 per cent increase, while soldiers from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant will receive the highest adjustment of 80 per cent.

The new package will raise the annual personnel cost of the Armed Forces from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, reflecting the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to improving troop welfare.

President Tinubu said the decision was in recognition of the courage and sacrifices of members of the Armed Forces in confronting terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security challenges across the country.

“The men and women who help to keep us safe in our homes must be supported and appreciated in the course of their duties to our nation,” the President said.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritising troop welfare while modernising the Armed Forces through the provision of modern weapons, equipment and technological capabilities needed to effectively carry out their constitutional responsibilities.

According to the President, security remains the foundation for national development, stressing that his administration would continue to mobilise military and law enforcement assets to eliminate threats and safeguard the lives and property of Nigerians.

“I urge our servicemen to take our gesture as a sign of our deep appreciation of the services they render to our fatherland. Together we shall prevail over the enemies intent on destroying the fabric of our nation,” Tinubu said.

The salary review is expected to provide a significant boost to the welfare of military personnel serving in various theatres of operation across the country, including those engaged in counter-terrorism, anti-banditry and peace support missions.

Tinubu Approves Up to 80% Salary Increase for Armed Forces Personnel

Turkey Deepens Military Partnership with Somalia Amid Shifting Regional Security Dynamics

By Zagazola Makama

Turkey is significantly expanding its military partnership with Somalia, reinforcing its position as one of Mogadishu’s most important security allies at a time of growing uncertainty over the future of international stabilization efforts and increasing pressure from Western partners to sustain the fight against Al-Shabaab.

The latest developments point to a broader strategic realignment in Somalia’s security architecture, with Ankara deepening its involvement in the country’s defense sector through expanded military training, operational support, and institutional reforms aimed at building a self-reliant Somali National Army (SNA).

The renewed cooperation signifies Somalia’s effort to develop integrated land, air, and naval capabilities capable of independently confronting insurgent threats and securing the country’s vast territory and coastline.

Security sources familiar with the development said the Somali government has accelerated plans to build a unified defense structure operating across multiple regions, reflecting a long-term strategy to reduce dependence on foreign peacekeeping forces.

The initiative includes strengthening command structures, improving force mobility, enhancing intelligence coordination, and developing specialized units capable of responding to evolving threats posed by Al-Shabaab.

The move comes as uncertainty continues to surround the future role of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which replaced the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) but continues to face operational and funding challenges. Officials believe Somalia must increasingly rely on its own security institutions if recent gains against extremist groups are to be sustained.

Demonstrating the growing defense relationship, Commander of the Somali National Army, Brig. Gen. Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud, recently arrived in Baidoa alongside the Commander of TurkSom, Gen. Sebahattin Kalkan.

The joint visit is being viewed as more than a routine inspection. Military analysts say it underscores Ankara’s continued commitment to Somalia’s security sector reforms and reflects close coordination between Turkish military advisers and Somali commanders on future operational planning.

Turkey has played a central role in training thousands of Somali soldiers through the TurkSom Military Training Centre in Mogadishu, one of Ankara’s largest overseas military facilities.

The partnership has evolved beyond basic military instruction to include leadership development, logistics, force modernization, and institutional capacity building.

The renewed Turkish engagement comes against the backdrop of sustained pressure from Somalia’s Western partners to intensify military operations against Al-Shabaab.

Only days earlier, Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), Gen. Dagvin R.M. Anderson, urged Somali authorities to maintain relentless pressure on the extremist group and prevent it from regaining territory.

His remarks reflected Washington’s continued commitment to supporting Somalia’s counterterrorism campaign through intelligence sharing, training, and precision operations against Al-Shabaab leadership.

The United States has continued to conduct targeted strikes and provide military assistance to Somali security forces, viewing Al-Shabaab as one of Africa’s most resilient jihadist organizations and a continuing regional security threat.

The evolving security environment has also pointed to the emergence of parallel defense partnerships across Somalia.

In recent weeks, AFRICOM concluded a bilateral security cooperation arrangement with Puntland authorities, demonstrating Washington’s engagement with regional administrations alongside the Federal Government.

These parallel relationships illustrate the increasingly complex network of international security actors operating in Somalia, where Turkey, the United States, the African Union, and other partners are simultaneously supporting different aspects of the country’s security architecture.

While Ankara focuses heavily on force generation, training, and institutional development, Washington continues to emphasize counterterrorism cooperation and operational support against Al-Shabaab.

Despite differences in approach, both Turkey and the United States share the broader objective of preventing Al-Shabaab from reversing military gains made by Somali forces over recent years.

The expansion of military cooperation with Turkey represents part of a wider strategy to build sustainable national defense capabilities capable of eventually assuming full responsibility for the country’s security.

As debates continue over the future of AUSSOM and international funding for stabilization missions, the emphasis on strengthening indigenous military institutions is expected to become increasingly central to Somalia’s long-term security planning.

The success of these reforms will largely determine whether Somali forces can maintain operational momentum against Al-Shabaab and secure areas recovered from insurgent control without prolonged dependence on foreign peacekeeping missions.

Turkey Deepens Military Partnership with Somalia Amid Shifting Regional Security Dynamics