By: Mercy Peter
China’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, praised Nigeria’s resilience, saying that his country is ready to share development opportunities with Nigeria.
The envoy described China-Nigeria relationship as a growing “comprehensive strategic partnership” with expanding political, economic, and cultural cooperation.
Yu also hailed Nigeria’s resilience, citing the Super Falcon victory at the 2024 African Women Nations Cup in Morocco where the Nigerian female national team came back from two goals down to beat the host.
The envoy spoke at a reception in Abuja to mark the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
He said: “He praised Nigeria’s resilience, saying “I mentioned that my first impression of Nigeria came from the “Super Eagles”—the Nigeria National football team. One year later, Nigeria’s women football team, hailed as the “Super Falcons,” staged a comeback from a two-goal deficit to win the Women’s Africa Cup. It truly embodies Nigeria’s national gene of resilience, unity and never giving up.”
The ambassador also celebrated China’s achievements over the past seven decades, describing the transformation as “miraculous.”
He said: “Over the past 76 years, the Communist Party of China, with a strong spirit of self-reform, has united and led the Chinese people in achieving two miracles: rapid economic growth and long-term social stability.
“The Chinese nation’s great rejuvenation has entered an irreversible historical trend.”
He noted that China had lifted more than 800 million people out of poverty, saying it a “Chinese poverty alleviation miracle.
He added, “In 2024, China’s GDP exceeded $18 trillion, with a per capita GDP surpassing $13,000. For years, China has contributed over 30 percent to global economic growth.”
Dunhai said the next phase of China’s development — national rejuvenation through modernization — would emphasize peace, development, and mutual benefit.
He added:“We are eager to share development opportunities with African countries, including Nigeria, and the rest of the world.”
On global arena, Yu said the Global governance initiative hope to provide solutions to the many troubles plaguing the world.
According to him: “This year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. Eighty years ago, reflecting on the lessons of two world wars, the international society established the UN, ushering in a new era of global governance. Eighty years later, China put forward the Global Governance Initiative, contributing Chinese wisdom and solutions to strengthen and improve global governance, injecting stability and certainty into a turbulent world.
“The Global Governance Initiative embodies five core principles: adhering to sovereign equality, abiding by international rule of law, practicing multilateralism, advocating the people-centered approach and focusing on taking real actions.
Together with the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative, it forms the “four pillars” for building a community with a shared future for mankind.”
Yu praised Nigeria’s recent endorsement of the GGI, stating, “Days ago, the Nigerian government issued a statement to endorse the Initiative. China deeply appreciates this support and backs Nigeria’s greater role on the international stage.
“We are ready to work with Nigeria and African countries to advance cooperation under the framework of the GGI,” the envoy added.
He also stressed the increasing economic and diplomatic engagement between the two countries. “It has been one year since President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to China,” he said, noting that the visit elevated bilateral ties to a “comprehensive strategic partnership.”
Yu also disclosed plans by Chinese companies to establish a local insulin production facility in Nigeria.
He said when completed, it would end Nigeria’s dependence on import.
He said: “Chinese companies are in talks with Nigeria to build Africa’s first local insulin production facility, potentially ending Nigeria’s reliance on imported insulin and positioning Nigeria as a hub for African medical biotechnology.”
The Ambassador pointed to several key projects as evidence of tangible progress, including the Lekki Deep Sea Port and the Abuja Water Supply Project. “The Lekki Deep Sea Port has become a new ‘national gateway’ for Nigeria’s global trade,” he stated, adding that it is projected to generate $360bn in economic benefits and create 170,000 jobs over the next 45 years.
On water infrastructure, Dunhai noted, “The Abuja Water Supply Project was completed in June. With a daily capacity of 480,000 cubic meters, it will meet the clean water needs of nearly 3 million people.”
He highlighted the story of Nigeria’s first female train driver, trained by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, saying, “Ms. Issah Abiola, known by her Chinese name Bai Yang by Chinese netizens, was honoured with China’s ‘Friendship Envoy Award’, one of only six global recipients.”
“China stands ready to deepen cooperation with Nigeria across various sectors,” he said, pledging to align Chinese policies with President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.
Also, the Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin stressed the symbolic connection between both nations, noting that Nigeria and China share a common national day—October 1st.
Represented by the Senator representing Jigawa North-West Senatorial District, Babangida Hussaini, the Deputy Senate President noted that the partnership between the two countries has evolved into a “comprehensive strategic partnership,” which he said is reflected in visible investments across Nigeria in sectors such as roads, railways, power plants, and industrial parks.
Today, Chinese enterprises and investments are visible in every corner of Nigeria, contributing to the modernization of our infrastructure,” he added.
Jibrin also described Tinubu’s state visit to China, as a turning point that “consolidated our shared vision for a future where the resources, talent, and strength of both countries are harnessed for the prosperity of our people.”
He expressed optimism about future collaborations under frameworks such as Nigeria’s 10-Year Development Plan and China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
He said all these are “opening new opportunities for growth, connectivity, and shared prosperity.”
On people to people relation, he said, “Thousands of young Nigerians today are studying in China, acquiring knowledge and skills that will shape the future of our country. Similarly, Nigerian culture is finding appreciative audiences in China.”
Jibrin also reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to strengthening ties through parliamentary diplomacy.
