The House of Representatives on Tuesday clarified that the Taiwan Lagos office is only for trade and does not have any diplomatic status.
Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu
Chairman, House Committee on China-Nigeria Parliamentary Relations, made the clarification following recent remarks attributed to Hon. Sanya Omirin, a federal lawmaker representing Atakunmosa East/Atakunmosa West/Ilesa East/Ilesa West Federal Constituency, as reported in an article titled “Rep seeks Taiwanese support to boost palm oil production.”
The article references Hon. Omirin’s call for collaboration with the “Taiwanese government” during a workshop organized by the Taipei Trade Office in Iperindo, Osun State.
Describing the statement as misleading and contrary to Nigeria’s official position, Yakubu in a statement he personally signed and made available to Diplomatic Correspondents in Abuja, reaffirms Nigeria’s position of one China principle.
He therefore said Nigeria does not recognise Taiwan as a separate entity but an integral part of China.
The statement reads in parts: “We wish to clarify that Nigeria does not recognize any entity called the “Taiwanese government.” The Taipei Trade Office in Nigeria is a non-diplomatic, commercial entity and does not represent a government.
“Taiwan is an integral part of China and the Nigerian parliament does not recognize Taiwan as a separate entity. Any suggestion of collaboration with a “Taiwanese government” contradicts Nigeria’s foreign policy and undermines the strong bilateral ties with China, which have been built on mutual respect and the One-China Principle since 1971.
“The House Committee urges all parliamentarians and public officials to exercise utmost caution in their statements and engagements to avoid misrepresentations that could jeopardize Nigeria’s strategic partnership with China.
“The People’s Republic of China has been a reliable partner in Nigeria’s development, supporting critical sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, and technology. Agricultural advancements, including those in palm oil production, can and should be pursued through legitimate channels, such as cooperation with China or other recognized international partners, in alignment with Nigeria’s diplomatic stance.
“The House Committee on China-Nigeria Parliamentary Relations reaffirms Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the One-China Principle, which remains the cornerstone of our diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China. Nigeria recognizes the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate government representing all of China and firmly upholds that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. Our committee strongly opposes any form of Taiwanese independence or actions that suggest recognition of Taiwan as a separate entity.
“The Nigerian parliament remains united in its support for China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We will continue to promote and strengthen the robust partnership between Nigeria and China for the mutual benefit of both nations.”
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