China and Nigeria have reaffirmed its commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation, with officials from both countries highlighting expanding trade, infrastructure development and strategic collaboration during celebrations marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
Speaking at the event in Abuja, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, described the China-Nigeria relationship as a vital pillar of China-Africa cooperation and praised Nigerians for their resilience, optimism and entrepreneurial spirit.
Reflecting on his two years in Nigeria, the envoy said his travels across the country’s cities and rural communities had deepened his appreciation of the Nigerian people’s determination to embrace opportunities and pursue development through hard work.
Yu said China remains committed to advancing modernisation and contributing to global development despite global economic challenges.
He noted that China’s economy recorded a 4.7 per cent growth in the first half of the year, driven by innovation in sectors such as artificial intelligence, robotics, pharmaceuticals and renewable energy.
The ambassador also highlighted China’s growing role in global governance and its support for Africa’s development agenda.
According to him, China has implemented zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries, a policy aimed at boosting African exports and accelerating industrial growth across the continent.
He said China would continue to support African integration, self-reliant development and modernisation through platforms such as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and other strategic initiatives.
Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister of Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe conveyed Nigeria’s warm felicitations to President Xi Jinping, the Chinese government and people on the anniversary celebration.
He praised China’s transformation since the founding of the People’s Republic in 1949, citing its achievements in manufacturing, science, high-speed rail development and clean energy.
Tegbe noted that China’s economic reforms had lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty and created opportunities for sustained national development.
He said China and Nigeria had built a strong and enduring partnership since establishing diplomatic relations on February 10, 1971, with cooperation now spanning infrastructure, healthcare, education, technical training and trade.
According to him, relations reached a new milestone when President Tinubu and President Xi elevated bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit in Beijing in September 2024.
Tegbe commended China’s contributions to major infrastructure projects in Nigeria, including railway modernisation and power development initiatives, while describing China’s zero-tariff policy as a significant opportunity for Nigerian exporters.
He disclosed that bilateral trade between both countries stood at approximately $28 billion at the end of last year and had already reached about $18 billion in the first half of the current year. He added that Nigeria’s share of exports to China had increased significantly, creating opportunities for stronger economic growth.
Tegbe also identified electricity, renewable energy and local manufacturing of power equipment as key areas for deeper collaboration, stressing the importance of investments that build local capacity and develop Nigerian technical expertise.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s foreign policy position, he reiterated the country’s commitment to the One China Principle, recognising the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government representing China.
He further expressed optimism that stronger economic engagement, increased trade, people-to-people exchanges and development cooperation would further enhance relations in the years ahead.
