Nigeria and China have long maintained a robust and evolving diplomatic relationship, but recent developments indicate a strategic shift toward an even deeper economic and political partnership.

The appointment of Mr. Joseph Tegbe as the Director General of Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership is a landmark decision that signals Nigeria’s commitment to maximizing the vast opportunities that come with its relationship with China.

This appointment is not just bureaucratic, it is a pivotal move aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation across key sectors such as trade, investment, infrastructure, technology and foreign policy.

As China solidifies its role as Nigeria’s top trade partner, this new office will play a crucial role in ensuring that both nations benefit from their growing economic interdependence.

Nigeria and China established diplomatic ties in 1971, and over the past five decades, their relationship has transformed from simple diplomatic exchanges into a comprehensive strategic partnership.

This shift has been driven by China’s increasing role in Nigeria’s economy, particularly in infrastructure development, trade and investment.

Key milestones in this relationship include Nigeria’s adherence to the One-China Policy, as the country has consistently supported China’s sovereignty claims over Taiwan, reinforcing its strategic alliance with Beijing.

Similarly, China’s role in Nigeria’s infrastructure, which Beijing has financed and constructed major railways, roads, and power projects, including the Lagos-Ibadan railway and Abuja-Kaduna rail line is a case in reference

Further more, in deepening trade relations, China is Nigeria’s largest trading partner, with trade volume surpassing $20 billion annually.

In technological and industrial cooperation, China’s investments in Nigeria’s digital economy, agriculture, and energy sector has continued to expand.

As both nations navigate the complexities of an interconnected global economy, the creation of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership office under Joseph Tegbe’s leadership, aims to ensure that these ties are strengthened and mutually beneficial.

Tegbe’s appointment is a deliberate and strategic move. As an experienced policy strategist, economist, and technocrat, he brings a wealth of expertise in economic planning, international trade, and strategic governance.

His appointment is timely because Tegbe is a Technocrat with Economic Expertise; With decades of experience in economic planning and investment strategy, he is well-positioned to drive Nigeria’s economic interests in the partnership with China.

As Director General, he will coordinate government agencies, private sector players, and diplomatic entities to ensure Nigeria maximizes its trade and investment relations with China.

This he will achieve by streamlining negotiations and ensuring coherent policies, his role will strengthen Nigeria’s position in trade and investment discussions with China.

His appointment is timely as Nigeria moves to take full advantage of the agreements reached during President Bola Tinubu’s successful state visit to China and his participation in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

The economic implications is that since China is Nigeria’s largest trading partner, with annual trade volumes exceeding $20 billion, Nigeria however, runs a trade deficit, importing significantly more from China than it exports. One of Tegbe’s immediate priorities will be to address this imbalance by negotiating better trade agreements and expanding Nigeria’s export base.

Potential strategies include promoting Nigerian agricultural exports such as sesame seeds, cocoa, and palm oil) to China, encouraging local manufacturing to reduce dependency on Chinese imports, enhancing trade regulations to prevent the dumping of substandard goods into Nigeria’s markets and Investment and Infrastructure Development

China’s investments in Nigeria’s infrastructure, particularly through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), have transformed Nigeria’s economic landscape. Under Tegbe’s leadership, the strategic partnership will focus on expanding Chinese investment in energy and power projects to boost Nigeria’s electricity supply, enhancing industrial cooperation, particularly in the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Strengthening public-private partnerships (PPPs) to attract Chinese investors to sectors like ICT, agriculture, and real estate

Alao, Nigeria’s digital economy is rapidly growing, and China, with its dominance in 5G technology, AI, and digital finance, can help accelerate Nigeria’s technological transformation.

Key areas of focus include: -Huawei’s role in Nigeria’s digital infrastructure development, expanding collaboration in fintech, blockchain, and cybersecurity., encouraging Nigerian startups to partner with Chinese technology firms for knowledge exchange.

Tegbe’s appointment also signals a recalibration of Nigeria’s foreign policy strategy. China is not just an economic partner but a global geopolitical force, and Nigeria must navigate this relationship with diplomatic tact.

Nigeria’s foreign policy has historically prioritized non-alignment, ensuring it maintains relationships with both the West and the East. However, as China’s influence grows in Africa, Nigeria must ensure a balanced approach that leverages China’s investments without alienating Western allies, Use its strategic partnership with China to strengthen its leadership role within the African Union (AU).

Nigeria should also Advocate for stronger African representation in global institutions, including the UN Security Council

On the One-China Policy and Diplomatic Cohesion, Nigeria has consistently supported the Policy, reinforcing its diplomatic ties with Beijing

However, recent attempts by Taiwan to increase its diplomatic presence in Nigeria pose a challenge. Tegbe’s role will involve ensuring that Nigeria remains firm in its commitment to the One-China Policy

He will also ensure that diplomatic distractions, such as Taiwan’s lobbying efforts, are effectively managed.- The Nigeria-China partnership remains focused on economic and developmental goals.

Under Tegbe’s leadership, Nigeria can deepen military cooperation with China to combat terrorism and insurgency in the Sahel region.

Tegbe’s appointment is more than just a bureaucratic move, it is a strategic recalibration of Nigeria’s economic, trade, and foreign policy goals.

Under his leadership, this partnership is poised to reach unprecedented heights, shaping Nigeria’s economic and diplomatic future for decades to come
Liman was the former Chief Trade Negotiator of Nigeria and Acting Director General, Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiations.He writes via [email protected]