By Lawal Sale
The Director-General of the Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Joseph Tegbe, has extended warm congratulations to the Government and people of China as they celebrate Spring Festival and ushers in a new Lunar Year beginning from February 17.
In a statement, Tegbe noted that this year’s celebration coincides with the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and People’s Republic of China China, describing it as milestone and powerful testament to a resilient and steadily expanding partnership that has evolved since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1971 into one of Africa’s most significant economic relationships that was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He stresses that Nigeria–China relations encompass infrastructure development, trade, industrial investment, technology cooperation, and vibrant people-to-people exchanges.
The NCSP DG pointed out that China remains Nigeria’s largest trading partner and a critical partner in infrastructure modernisation, supporting key rail, port, power, and industrial projects that have enhanced productive capacity and strengthened national connectivity.
Tegbe characterised the present moment as a “new dawn” in bilateral relations, driven by a strategic shift toward higher-value economic integration and export-led growth. He highlighted the Zero-Tariff initiative announced by the Chinese government for qualifying African exports, including Nigeria’s, as a transformative opportunity to expand non-oil exports, stimulate industrial processing, and create jobs.
“The Zero-Tariff Agreement provides Nigerian producers with improved access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets and offers a strategic pathway for export diversification and sustainable job creation,” he said, adding that realising its full benefits would require disciplined implementation, strict adherence to quality standards, and strong private-sector participation.
According him, the partnership between the two countries is actively engaging relevant stakeholders to ensure Nigeria maximises this preferential trade window and translates diplomatic goodwill into tangible economic gains.
“As we celebrate 55 years of diplomatic relations, the spirit of renewal embodied by the Spring Festival reflects the next chapter of China–Nigeria relations — one anchored on deeper economic integration, industrial upgrading, and shared prosperity,” Tegbe stated. (GSF)
