Raphael Oni
In a bid to diversify and strengthen its economy, the Federal Government of Nigeria is seeking the cooperation of the People’s Republic of China. This development was made known by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, during a courtesy visit by the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai.
Nigeria and China have enjoyed a robust relationship spanning over five decades, with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu prioritizing the diversification and strengthening of the nation’s economy. The minister highlighted the President’s commitment to strategic partnership with China, citing areas such as electric vehicle plants, digital communication, renewable energy, and agriculture as major areas where Nigeria needs Chinese support.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu acknowledged China’s contribution to the development of road and rail infrastructure in Nigeria, noting that the country is taking tangible steps to improve its power sector and modernize its ports. This, she emphasized, will enable investments and foster economic growth.
The minister also expressed Nigeria’s resolve to expand cultural relations with China, highlighting the growing interest in Chinese language among Nigerian youths. “It’s quite interesting that a large population of Nigeria youth is inching towards Chinese Language,” she said. “Chinese has become the language of trade in the world.”
Ambassador Yu Dunhai, in his response, declared that Nigeria-China relations are a partnership that his country hopes to continue to grow and expand. He described Nigeria as a great country that has remained a strategic partner to China, citing the country’s participation in the Forum of China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) as a testament to the strength of their bilateral ties.
The envoy noted that the volume of trade between Nigeria and China surpassed $21 billion last year, with Nigeria’s export to China exceeding 25%. He emphasized that manufacturing is central to industrialization, adding that the recently renewed $2 billion currency swap in the area of financial cooperation will strengthen cooperation and promote bilateral trade and investment between both countries.
As Nigeria and China continue to deepen their partnership, it is clear that their cooperation will have far-reaching benefits for both countries. With a focus on people-to-people contacts, country-to-country relations, and strategic partnerships, Nigeria and China are poised to achieve great things together.
