By Lawal Sale
Nigeria has reaffirmed its strong commitment to its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with China and adherence to the One-China principle, as the Director-General of the Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Mr. Joseph Tegbe, hosted a high-powered delegation from the Chinese Embassy in Abuja.
The delegation was led by Mr. Zhou Hongyou, Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria, and Mr. Wang Yingqi, Minister Counsellor for Economic and Commercial Affairs, alongside other senior Chinese officials.
During the meeting, both sides reviewed the state of Nigeria–China relations and explored opportunities to deepen cooperation across key sectors, including technology, agriculture, industrialisation, and human capacity development.
Tegbe outlined Nigeria’s ambition to scale bilateral trade with China to 350 billion RMB (approximately $50 billion) by 2030, stressing that Nigerian exports are expected to account for at least 30 percent of the total trade volume. He said the target would be driven by China’s upcoming zero-tariff policy and expanded market access for Nigerian agricultural products.
The NCSP Director-General also highlighted Nigeria’s industrial priorities, noting that China’s support would be critical to advancing the country’s industrial drive, particularly in steel development and agricultural value chains, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Chinese delegation expressed strong support for Nigeria’s development aspirations and reaffirmed China’s readiness to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation that delivers tangible outcomes for both countries.
In a gesture underscoring the depth of bilateral relations, Tegbe, on behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, congratulated the Chinese people ahead of the Spring Festival and Lunar New Year, while reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening cultural, diplomatic, and economic ties.
Both sides agreed that Nigeria–China relations remain robust, forward-looking, and firmly focused on delivering concrete benefits for citizens and businesses in both countries. (GSF)
