By mercy Peter
Nigeria has called for a new phase of economic cooperation with China that prioritises technology transfer, local expertise and increased Nigerian exports to the Chinese market.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made the call on Wednesday in Abuja at a reception marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
Represented by the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, Tinubu said Nigeria’s longstanding relationship with China had delivered major infrastructure projects but should now place greater emphasis on strengthening the country’s domestic productive and technical capacity.
The President said Chinese investments in Nigeria should not only deliver infrastructure but also equip Nigerian engineers, technicians and other professionals with the expertise needed to operate, maintain and further develop such projects.
He identified infrastructure, energy, healthcare, technical training and trade as some of the major areas in which Nigeria and China had developed cooperation since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1971.
Tinubu acknowledged China’s achievements in manufacturing, science and technology, high-speed rail and clean energy, as well as its progress in reducing extreme poverty following the economic reforms introduced in 1978.
He said Nigeria had benefited from Chinese involvement in major projects, including deep-sea ports, railway modernisation and power infrastructure.
According to him, the focus of the bilateral partnership should now expand from project delivery to ensuring that Nigeria develops the capacity to derive sustained economic value from those investments.
The President also urged Nigeria to maximise China’s decision to extend zero-tariff treatment to African countries with diplomatic relations with Beijing.
He said the policy presented an opportunity for Nigeria to increase domestic production, improve its export capacity and gain greater access to the Chinese market.
“Our shared task is to translate that asset into stronger Nigerian production and Nigerian exports to China,” Tinubu said.
He also pointed to recent export agreements between Nigeria and China, saying the arrangements could provide additional opportunities for Nigerian businesses and producers to participate more actively in bilateral trade.
Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the One-China principle, stressing that the country would continue to recognise the government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government representing China.
He said Nigeria remained committed to deepening its relationship with Beijing while ensuring that bilateral cooperation contributes more directly to Nigeria’s economic development.
Also speaking, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, said the two countries were entering a new phase of practical cooperation as they marked 55 years of diplomatic relations in 2026.
Yu noted that bilateral ties had been elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2024, with cooperation expanding across trade, investment, infrastructure, energy, technology and cultural exchanges.
The ambassador disclosed that bilateral trade reached $18 billion in the first half of 2026, representing a 35 per cent increase, while Chinese imports from Nigeria also recorded significant growth.
He said China’s zero-tariff initiative would provide African countries with greater access to the Chinese market and create opportunities for Nigeria to expand its exports.
Yu said China was ready to align its development cooperation with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in industrialisation, digital development, and the development of the green and blue economies.
He identified artificial intelligence, renewable energy and other emerging technologies as areas with potential for expanded cooperation between both countries.
The ambassador also commended the Nigerian government’s economic reforms and efforts to improve the business environment, saying the measures could create additional opportunities for Chinese companies to invest in Nigeria.
He said China would continue to support practical cooperation with Nigeria based on mutual respect and shared development interests.
“Those who walk the same path go far,” Yu said.
