…Seeks deeper economic ties

Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to the One-China principle as it seeks stronger economic cooperation with China in trade, investment, infrastructure and technology.
  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stated this on Wednesday in Abuja at a reception to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
  
Tinubu, who was represented at the event by the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, congratulated President Xi Jinping and the Chinese people on the anniversary.
  He said Nigeria and China had built a strong relationship since establishing diplomatic ties in 1971, with cooperation now covering infrastructure, energy, healthcare, technical training and trade.
  
Tinubu commended China’s achievements in manufacturing, science, high-speed rail and clean energy. He also noted its progress in reducing extreme poverty since the economic reforms that began in 1978.
  The President said that Nigeria appreciated China’s contribution to major projects, including deep-sea ports, railway modernisation and power infrastructure.
  
He however stressed that future cooperation should place greater emphasis on strengthening Nigerian production and technical capacity.
  The President added that Chinese investment should also equip Nigerian engineers and technicians with the skills required to operate and maintain infrastructure developed through bilateral cooperation.
  
Tinubu welcomed China’s decision to extend zero-tariff treatment to African countries, adding that Nigeria the policy will enable the country to increase domestic production and expand exports to the Chinese market.
  He said: “Our shared task is to translate that asset into stronger Nigerian production and Nigerian exports to China.
  
The President also highlighted recent agreements on exports between both countries, saying that they could help broaden Nigeria’s economic gains from the relationship.
  He then reaffirmed Nigeria’s position on the One-China principle, which recognises the government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government representing China.
  
“Let me reaffirm Nigeria’s steadfast commitment to the One-China principle”,  he said.
In his remarks, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, said the bilateral relationship had entered a new phase of practical cooperation.
  
Yu noted that 2026 marks 55 years of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China, a relationship he said, has grown into a comprehensive strategic partnership following the elevation of ties in 2024.
  The Ambassador said cooperation now spans trade, investment, infrastructure, energy, technology and cultural exchanges.
  
He also disclosed that bilateral trade reached $18 billion in the first half of 2026, representing a 35 per cent increase. He also reported a significant rise in Chinese imports from Nigeria.
  Yu added that China’s zero-tariff initiative will give African countries greater access to the Chinese market and create opportunities to expand exports.
  
According to him, China is ready to align its development plans with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in industrialisation, digital development and the green and blue economies.
  The ambassador also highlighted opportunities for cooperation in artificial intelligence, renewable energy and other emerging technologies.
  
He commended Nigerian government’s economic reforms and efforts to improve the business environment, saying these could create more opportunities for Chinese investment.
  Yu said that continued mutual respect and practical cooperation will strengthen relations between the two countries.
  
“Those who walk the same path go far”, he said.
  The event brought together government officials, diplomats, business leaders and other stakeholders to celebrate China’s national anniversary and the longstanding Nigeria-China partnership.