Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Ms Yan Yuqing, has reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening ties with Nigeria as both countries marked key national milestones.
Speaking at a reception to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 65th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence, Ms Yuqing highlighted the deepening cooperation between the two nations.
The Consul-General, on behalf of China’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, paid tribute to the long-standing friendship that had defined China-Nigeria relations since diplomatic ties were established 54 years ago.
She recalled that in 2023, Presidents Xi Jinping and Bola Tinubu elevated bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, ushering in “a new era of cooperation.”
Trade between the two countries has since continued to flourish, with 2024 recording $21.89 billion in bilateral trade, a 25.8 per cent rise in China’s imports from Nigeria. From January to July 2025 alone, trade volume reached $15.48 billion, an increase of 34.7 per cent year-on-year.
Yan also underscored China’s global role, recalling the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. She stressed that China would continue to uphold peace, development, and international cooperation, guided by President Xi Jinping’s recent Global Governance Initiative.