Nigeria and China have pledged to deepen cooperation in renewable energy, the digital economy, and agriculture, as both countries mark 55 years of diplomatic relations amid renewed commitments to economic transformation and people-to-people engagement.

Both nations acknowledged that their long-standing partnership has evolved into a strategic relationship delivering significant gains in infrastructure development, trade, and economic growth across Nigeria.

The commitment was reiterated at a reception held in Lagos to celebrate the Chinese New Year and the 55th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between China and Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman, House Committee on Nigeria–China Relations, Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu, said the bilateral relationship—established in 1971—was founded on mutual respect, non-interference, and shared development objectives.

Yakubu noted that China remains one of Nigeria’s most important partners in key areas such as infrastructure development, technology transfer, industrialisation, education, and cultural exchange. He added that visible outcomes of the partnership include major rail, road, and power projects, as well as growth in manufacturing and digital innovation.

The lawmaker reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to strengthening legislative cooperation and improving bilateral frameworks to ensure partnerships remain transparent, sustainable, and beneficial to citizens.

He said policymakers would continue to promote investment-friendly policies capable of creating jobs and supporting Nigeria’s long-term economic transformation.

Yakubu also identified opportunities for expanded collaboration in renewable energy, healthcare, science and technology, agriculture, and human capital development, noting that such cooperation would further strengthen South-South relations and contribute to global development.

In her remarks, the Consul General of China in Lagos, Ms Yan Yuqing, said 2025 recorded notable milestones in China–Nigeria relations, including increased high-level diplomatic engagements and expanded economic cooperation.

She disclosed that Nigeria participated in major Chinese trade exhibitions, while more Chinese enterprises scaled up investment activities across the country.

Yuqing highlighted key projects delivered through bilateral cooperation, including the Abuja Greater Water Supply Project, which she said improved access to potable water for about three million people, and increased operational capacity at the Lekki Deep Sea Port.

She added that passenger and freight traffic on the Lagos–Ibadan Railway and Lagos Light Rail reached record levels, significantly enhancing mobility and cargo transportation.

The Chinese envoy said China’s economy maintained steady growth, surpassing RMB 140 trillion in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), while continuing to drive global economic expansion and innovation in areas such as artificial intelligence, aerospace, and semiconductor technology.

She reaffirmed China’s commitment to high-level opening-up and to sharing development opportunities with Nigeria and Africa.

Yuqing further highlighted expanding sub-national cooperation between Chinese provinces and Nigerian states, as well as growing cultural and educational exchanges through Confucius Institute programmes and cultural festivals.

She noted that charity initiatives supported by the Chinese Consulate and Chinese enterprises had provided assistance to cataract patients and low-income households across Nigeria.