Abuja: The Federal Government of Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations, with a focus on driving economic development, infrastructure growth, and technological innovation. The announcement was made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, during the Nigeria-China Economic and Trade Partnership Forum Roundtable held in Abuja, where he emphasized the evolution of the relationship between the two nations over the years.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Amb. Tuggar, represented by Amb. Bolaji Akinremi, Director of the Economic and Trade Infrastructure Department, highlighted the significance of the recently established Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This partnership aims to strengthen trade, investment, and capacity-building initiatives, fostering sustainable development. Tuggar noted that the collaboration will extend to key areas such as infrastructure development, trade, and people-to-people exchanges. The Ministry o
f Foreign Affairs assured continued facilitation of closer cooperation with Chinese counterparts and stakeholders to ensure successful implementation of projects under the new partnership.
Mr. Joseph Tegbe, Director-General of the China-Nigeria Strategic Partnership, expressed optimism about the economic collaboration between the two nations, built on mutual respect and shared goals for over 50 years. He emphasized the progress made in infrastructure, trade, energy, health, and education, while highlighting the critical role of strategic coordination in sectors like agriculture, mining, and healthcare.
Mr. Zhang Liang, Head of the Chinese delegation and Secretary-General of the LVY Road International Cooperation Center, reiterated China’s support for strengthening bilateral relations, citing a shared vision for development and prosperity. Liang praised the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) for elevating China-Nigeria relations and encouraged strengthened cooperation and early project implementation.
Amb. Nura Rimi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, emphasized Nigeria’s desire for deeper cooperation with China in agriculture, mining, renewable energy, and technology. He highlighted Nigeria’s position as Africa’s largest economy and a gateway to other regions, urging Chinese businesses to view Nigeria as an ideal investment destination.
Mr. Khalil Halilu, CEO of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, noted the presence of over 20 Chinese companies at the forum, underscoring the partnership’s potential to contribute significantly to the growth and development of both countries. Additionally, Mr. Abba Aliyu, Director-General of Rural Electrification Energy of Nigeria, expressed confidence in the collaboration, revealing that the agency signed three Memoranda of Understanding with China during President Bola Tinubu’s visit.
The event witnessed participation from government officials, heads of agencies, representatives from companies in Nigeria an
d China, and various stakeholders, signaling a promising future for the Nigeria-China partnership.