China, Nigeria reaffirm commitment to strengthen bilateral relations
China, Nigeria reaffirm commitment to strengthen bilateral relations
China and Nigeria have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations, with emphasis on trade, investment, industrialisation, energy, technology and people-to-people exchanges.
The two countries made the pledge on Wednesday at a reception to mark the 77th National Day of the People’s Republic of China, in Abuja.
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Yu Dunhai, said Nigeria-China relations had entered a new phase of expanded practical cooperation, describing the partnership as one built on mutual respect and shared development interests.
“Our relationship has entered the fast lane, as both countries continue to expand cooperation across economic, political and cultural spheres,”he said.
Yu said that China’s implementation of zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries from May 1 was creating new opportunities for African exports and industrial development.
He said the impact was already reflecting in trade, with China’s imports from Africa growing by 24 per cent in May and June.
According to him, the policy will help African countries transform their resource advantages into industrial capacity while supporting the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Yu said that China and Africa were also deepening cooperation in emerging areas, including artificial intelligence, digital payments and renewable energy.
He said Chinese innovations in these areas were contributing to efforts to address development challenges and strengthen digital cooperation across the continent.
The ambassador said that 2026 also marked 55 years of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria, and the relationship had grown through mutual respect and shared interests.
“China and Nigeria have grown closer through mutual respect and shared success,” he said.
Yu noted that bilateral trade had reached 18 billion dollars in the first half of 2026, representing a 35 per cent increase, while Chinese imports from Nigeria rose by 81 per cent during the period.
He said recent agreements on economic partnership and aquatic exports would provide further support for expanding bilateral trade.
Yu also announced the launch of Chinese-language broadcasts on the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria and the Voice of Nigeria, describing the initiative as part of efforts to strengthen cultural understanding and people-to-people ties.
He reiterated China’s commitment to align its 15th Five-Year Plan with Nigeria’s development priorities, particularly industrialisation, digital development, and the green and blue economies.
Yu invited Nigeria to join the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation to enhance cooperation in global technological development.
On his part, Mr Joseph Tegbe, Minister of Power, representing President Bola Tinubu, conveyed the President’s congratulations and goodwill to President Xi Jinping and the government and people of China.
Tegbe who is also the Director-General of the Nigeria-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, said Nigeria valued China’s development experience, particularly in manufacturing, science and technology, infrastructure and economic transformation.
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He recalled that Nigeria and China established diplomatic relations in 1971 and the relationship had evolved into broad-based cooperation covering infrastructure, healthcare, technical training, trade, energy and people-to-people exchanges.
Tegbe acknowledged China’s contribution to Nigerian infrastructure development.
“Nigeria appreciates China’s contribution through investment, financing, and engineering to projects such as Lekki Port, railway modernisation, the Zungeru Hydro Power Station, among others,” he said.
Tegbe noted that China’s zero-tariff programme for African countries is an opportunity for Nigerian producers, stressing the need to translate market access into increased domestic production and exports.
“Most importantly, China’s zero-tariff programme offers great opportunities for Nigerian producers and this is highly commendable,” he said.
He also cited the agreement on the export of aquatic products from Nigeria to China as part of efforts to diversify and expand Nigeria’s export base.
Tegbe said that cooperation in the power sector remained important, especially in reliable electricity, renewable energy and local manufacture of power equipment.
“Our particular promise is deep cooperation on achieving reliable electricity, renewable energy, and the manufacture of power equipment in Nigeria, with our cooperation with China,” he said.
He added that the benefits of the bilateral cooperation could be enhanced if investments also strengthened Nigerian enterprises and developed the capacity of Nigerian engineers and technicians to operate and maintain infrastructure.
Tegbe reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the One-China Principle, stressing that the Nigerian government recognised the Government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government representing China.
The Voice Media Trust (VMT NEWS) reports that the event featured cultural performances by the Hunan Art Troupe, showcasing Chinese culture and strengthening the cultural dimension of Nigeria-China relations.
The Chinese National Day is celebrated annually on Oct. 1 to commemorate the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949.
