Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to China, Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau, has pledged to prioritise the welfare and protection of Nigerians living in China while strengthening bilateral cooperation between both countries in critical sectors including infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, security, and human capital development.
Dambazau, a retired General and former Minister of Interior, made the commitment during a courtesy visit to the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, ahead of his official assumption of duty in China.
Speaking during the visit in Abuja on Tuesday, the ambassador-designate noted that China hosts a large Nigerian community, particularly those engaged in trade and commerce, stressing the importance of close collaboration with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) to provide guidance, support, and protection for Nigerians residing in the Asian country.
He said his mission would also focus on encouraging Nigerians abroad to remain law-abiding citizens and worthy ambassadors of the country.
According to him, strengthening ties between Nigeria and China remains strategically important given the longstanding diplomatic relationship between both nations, which dates back to 1971.
Dambazau recalled President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to Beijing in 2024, describing it as a significant milestone that reinforced cooperation between the two countries.
He noted that during the visit, China reaffirmed its support for the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, while Nigeria reiterated its commitment to the One-China Policy.
The ambassador-designate also emphasised the need for deeper security cooperation between the two nations, drawing from his experience as a former Chief of Army Staff and Minister of Interior.
He stated that Nigeria could benefit significantly from China’s technical expertise and strategic support in addressing emerging security threats and improving national security architecture.
“Protecting the welfare and interests of Nigerians residing in China will remain a top priority while also pursuing stronger bilateral cooperation in critical sectors that support national development,” he said.
Responding, Dabiri-Erewa commended Dambazau for being the first ambassador-designate to formally visit the commission ahead of deployment, describing the move as a demonstration of commitment to diaspora engagement.
She expressed confidence that his extensive background in governance, security, and diplomacy would positively impact Nigerians living in China.
The NiDCOM chairman described Dambazau as a strategic networker whose experience and connections would prove beneficial to the Nigerian diaspora community in the country.
Dabiri-Erewa reaffirmed the commission’s support for the One-China Policy and stressed the need for collaboration with the Nigerian embassy in China, particularly in the areas of data collection and documentation of Nigerians residing there.
According to her, proper documentation and engagement with the diaspora community are essential for effective policy planning and citizen support services.
She further noted that Nigeria stands to benefit immensely from China’s Belt and Road Initiative through investments in railways, ports, infrastructure, and trade corridors capable of boosting economic growth and supporting Nigerian businesses.
The NiDCOM boss said Nigerians in China are strategically positioned to serve as important economic and diplomatic bridges between both countries.
She also invited Dambazau to participate in the 2026 National Diaspora Day scheduled for July 24 to 25, with the theme: “Harnessing Global Diaspora Medical Expertise to Strengthen Local Health Systems for National Development.”
she extended invitations to the ambassador-designate for the Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference (NiDCEC), billed for Toronto from August 12 to 15, and the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS) scheduled for November 2026.
