Nigeria, China Reaffirm Strategic Partnership for Mutual Growth and Global Stability
As China celebrates the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and marks 54 years of diplomatic relations with Nigeria, both nations have reaffirmed their strong commitment to deepening bilateral ties across trade, infrastructure, technology, education, and cultural exchanges.
The renewed pledge was made during a diplomatic reception in Lagos, attended by Ms. Yan Yuqing, Chinese Consul General, and Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on China-Nigeria Parliamentary Relations.
Strong Partnership Anchored on Mutual Growth
Hon. Yakubu hailed the growing partnership as one that has delivered “tangible benefits” for both countries. He highlighted successful collaborations in infrastructure development, technology transfer, trade expansion, and educational and cultural exchanges.
“This year’s celebration is especially symbolic as October 1 marks Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary and China’s 76th National Day—a shared moment of pride reflecting our nations’ struggles for sovereignty and development,” Yakubu said.
He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to China’s Global Governance Initiative (GGI), which promotes a more just and equitable international order, and assured that the National Assembly is poised to maximize the opportunities it presents for Nigerians.
Bilateral Trade Hits $21.89 Billion
In her remarks, Ms. Yan Yuqing noted the success of the China-Nigeria partnership under the Belt and Road Initiative, with bilateral trade reaching $21.89 billion in 2024. Of that, China’s imports from Nigeria totaled $2.99 billion, a 25.8% year-on-year increase. Between January and July 2025, total trade hit $15.48 billion, up 34.7% from the previous year—making Nigeria China’s second-largest trading partner in Africa.
She emphasized China’s ongoing commitment to sincere, mutually beneficial cooperation, citing increasing people-to-people exchanges, including more Nigerian youths learning Chinese language and culture.
“Our consular district has seen vibrant economic and cultural engagements, thanks to strong support and cooperation between both countries,” Yuqing said.
Looking Ahead
China and Nigeria first established diplomatic relations in 1971, and in recent years, the partnership has been elevated to comprehensive strategic bilateral ties, following a meeting between Presidents Xi Jinping and Bola Tinubu.
Both nations continue to prioritize:
- Infrastructure investment
- Technology and knowledge transfer
- Youth and educational development
- Trade and economic cooperation
- Global peace and multilateral collaboration
The event in Lagos underscores a shared vision for long-term cooperation, as both countries work to advance Africa’s development and contribute to global peace, stability, and prosperity.
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