By Sale Lawal
China and Nigeria have signed a Development Cooperation Agreement providing RMB 200 million ($30 million) in grant funding for small-scale development projects in Nigeria.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja alongside Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, said the funds would support “small and beautiful” livelihood projects designed for quick implementation and direct benefits to the people.
Yu said the grant reflected China’s commitment to aligning its 15th Five-Year Plan with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, underscoring the two countries’ strategic partnership, mutual trust and longstanding friendship.
He noted that China-Nigeria relations had remained a key pillar of China-Africa cooperation since diplomatic ties were established in 1971, attributing their growth to the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Tinubu.
The ambassador also highlighted China’s zero-tariff policy for eligible African exports, which took effect on May 1, 2026, describing it as an opportunity to boost Nigerian exports and attract investment.
In his remarks, Bagudu thanked the Chinese government for its continued support, describing the agreement as evidence of strong bilateral relations.
He said Nigeria could draw lessons from China’s poverty alleviation experience to accelerate development, stressing the need to ensure that the agreement translates into tangible benefits for Nigerians. (GSF)
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