Nigeria, China Reaffirm Strategic Partnership, Deepen Economic Cooperation
Oru Leonard
Nigeria and China have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their longstanding strategic partnership, with both countries pledging to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, technology, and other critical sectors.
The commitment was made on Monday in Abuja when the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, received the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters.
During the visit, Ambassador Yu congratulated Enikanolaiye on his appointment and expressed China’s readiness to work closely with him to further consolidate the strong bilateral relationship between the two countries.
The meeting reviewed the growing Nigeria-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with discussions focusing on expanding collaboration in infrastructure, industrialisation, energy, agriculture, education, cultural exchange, trade, and investment.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to the One-China Policy, Enikanolaiye commended Beijing for its sustained support toward Nigeria’s economic transformation agenda under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He also praised China’s Zero-Tariff Policy for eligible Nigerian exports, describing the initiative as a major boost for Nigerian products in the Chinese market, while creating jobs and enhancing local value addition.
Ambassador Yu disclosed that Nigeria’s exports to China have increased by more than 88 per cent since the introduction of the zero-tariff initiative, underscoring the growing economic benefits of the partnership.
The Chinese envoy also highlighted emerging areas of cooperation, including artificial intelligence, noting Nigeria’s participation in the inaugural meeting of the World Artificial Intelligence Organization. He invited Nigeria to become a founding member of the organisation.
Responding, Enikanolaiye assured the envoy that the proposal would be considered in consultation with relevant government agencies.
Both diplomats agreed to sustain high-level engagements, strengthen economic cooperation, and pursue new partnerships in science, technology, the digital economy, and regional security.
The meeting coincides with the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China, reinforcing both countries’ commitment to a mutually beneficial partnership aimed at promoting sustainable development and shared prosperity.
