In a stunning geopolitical maneuver, US President Donald Trump’s strategic push for American defense dominance has led to Nigerian military contracts favoring US-produced rifles over French alternatives. Last week, it emerged that DICON Gray Insignia (DGI), a joint venture between the Nigerian Defense Industries Corporation (DICON) and Gray Insignia Nigeria, has been awarded the contract to bolster the Nigerian Army’s armament capabilities by assembling rifles domestically. These rifles will be produced in the United States but subsequently assembled in Nigeria.
The development unfolded after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu overturned the initial recommendation of Nigerian Defense Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar and General Christopher Gwabin Musa, Nigeria’s Chief of Defense Staff. Both had advocated for a deal with French defense contractors, considered frontrunners for Nigeria’s military modernization efforts. Aso Rock sources who spoke to Huhuonline.com on conditions of anonymity revealed that French military companies working in the defense sector secured approval for the contracts from Abubakar when he came to Paris last November as part of the Nigerian delegation accompanying President Tinubu during his official visit to France.
However, in a spectacular volte face that took the French completely unawares, Tinubu overruled his defense minister and army chief with his surprising decision allowing US-manufactured rifles to be assembled domestically through a joint venture between DICON and its private partner Gray Insignia. DGI’s mission is to enhance Nigeria’s defense sector by developing advanced weaponry and reducing reliance on foreign arms imports. The partnership seeks to build a brand that not only serves Nigeria’s security needs but also positions the country as a key player in the global defense industry.
Although the specific details regarding the US manufacturers involved in this collaboration have not been publicly disclosed, Tinubu’s decision has sparked diplomatic tensions with France and rattled global defense circles, according to sources in the reclusive US military industrial complex, who briefed Huhuonline.com, on conditions of anonymity.
The very erratic and unpredictable Donald Trump, known for his aggressive diplomatic style and “America First” policy, reportedly bullied US intelligence agencies to bring pressure to bear on Tinubu who is widely believed to be a US intelligence asset to support the deal. Trump’s behind-the-scenes influence underscored a broader effort to ensure US defense firms expanded their foothold in Africa amid competition from European and Chinese defense manufacturers.
Unsurprisingly, French President Emmanuel Macron, visibly displeased by Nigeria’s sudden pivot, summoned Tinubu to Paris for a formal explanation. In a rather bizarre and awkward travel itinerary, Tinubu, who was scheduled to join other African Heads of State and Governments in Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia for the 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council and the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the AU Heads of State, scheduled from February 12 to 16, 2025, was forced to make an unceremonious stopover in Paris, enroute to Addis-Ababa.
Tinubu departed Abuja for Paris, last Wednesday, for what Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga described as “a private visit enroute to Addis-Ababa”, adding that “while in France, President Tinubu will meet with his French counterpart, President Emmanuel Macron.” Nigerian watchers have been wondering why President Tinubu will visit France and meet Macron twice in under three months; and instead of flying straight to Addis-Ababa for the five-hour trip, he must travel seven hours to Paris before returning to Addis-Ababa. “Mr. President’s flight itinerary is indeed strange,” was the way one Aso Rock source joked about Tinubu’s trip.
France, which has long maintained strategic ties with its former West African colonies, viewed the deal as a diplomatic affront and a significant financial loss for its defense sector, giving the rising anti-French crescendo that has seen countries like Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger break away and expelled French troops from their various countries. Ivory Coast, Senegal and Chad have also ordered French troops out of their countries. Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have jettisoned the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS and created a new organization called the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
Diplomatic analysts suggest that Nigeria’s decision signals a recalibration of its defense procurement strategy, prioritizing partnerships that promise technology transfer and local production. Tinubu’s administration reportedly favored the US deal for its promise of greater economic benefits, including job creation and enhanced defense capabilities. This shift represents not only a diplomatic victory for the U.S. defense industry but also a critical blow to France’s geopolitical influence in Nigeria and West Africa. As Tinubu seeks to bolster Nigeria’s defense sector amid ongoing security challenges, the fallout from this decision may redefine the nation’s defense partnerships for years to come.
The Trump deal, though controversial, marks a turning point in Nigeria’s defense landscape – one that positions the country as a battleground for global arms diplomacy between Western powers. Ever since President Tinubu came to power, Abuja has been prospecting for ammunition. The Nigerian defense ministry headed by Badaru Abubakar and Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa, Nigeria’s Chief of Defense Staff, and Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, have been leading the effort to find new ammunition suppliers for Abuja.
In July 2020, the Nigerian defense conglomerate, DICON expanded its Kaduna factory to make assault weapons, munitions and uniforms. The strategic move of manufacturing Chinese Norinco AK-47s and Turkish Barer uniforms within Nigeria, was a to enhance domestic production and reduce reliance on costly imports. This initiative aims to strengthen Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in arms production and decrease dependence on foreign imports.
In collaboration with Turkish firm Barer Holding, DICON established DICON-Sur Corporate Wear Nigeria Ltd, a joint venture focused on producing military uniforms and accessories. Located in Kaduna, the factory spans 15,000 square meters and employs over 1,000 workers. With an annual production capacity of 1.25 million sets of uniforms, including battle dress uniforms, office attire, raincoats, and T-shirts; the facility significantly contributes to Nigeria’s domestic production strategy and provides substantial youth employment opportunities. These initiatives underscore Nigeria’s commitment to bolstering its defense manufacturing capabilities, promoting self-reliance, and conserving foreign exchange by minimizing imports.
@Huhuonline