Raphael Oni
The Vice Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Hu Chunhua, has embarked on a significant diplomatic visit to Nigeria, strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between both nations. This visit follows the landmark Beijing Summit held last September, where President Xi Jinping and President Bola Tinubu elevated China-Nigeria relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
In the opening remarks of the Chinese leader he promised that China is ready to work closely with Nigeria. In his words, “China is looking forward to working closely with Nigeria to promote the friendship and cooperation between our two sides.” In his response Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, the Nigeria Foreign Minister said, “ We congratulate China for a successful hosting of FOCAC and continuous partnership in actualising our ambition of infrastructural development, increased trade and investment in building a 21st century nation in Nigeria.”
Hu Chunhua met with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, and discussed ways to deepen their strategic partnership. Tuggar expressed appreciation for China’s continued support and partnership in Nigeria’s development aspirations, highlighting the importance of mutual exchanges in further deepening diplomatic ties.
During the high level visit in Abuja both sides emphasized the importance of people-to-people exchanges and mutual understanding in fostering stronger relations. The Nigerian Foreign Minister and the Vice Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Hu Chunhua, reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace and stability, particularly in West Africa and the Sahel region. They recognized Nigeria’s leading role in combating terrorism and promoting economic integration within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
With a shared vision for a prosperous and stable future, Nigeria and China are set to strengthen their ties and forge a path of mutual benefit and cooperation. As Hu Chunhua noted, “China is willing to work together with both sides to achieve important consensus and achieve the results of the Beijing Summit.”
This high-level visit signals a new chapter in Nigeria-China relations, with both countries poised to deepen their strategic partnership and explore new avenues for cooperation. China has pledged to invest $4 billion in oil and infrastructure projects in Nigeria, including the Abuja-Kaduna Railway and Abuja Metro Light Rail. Bilateral trade between China and Nigeria reached $19.27 billion in 2019, with China providing extensive economic and military support to Nigeria.
