By our Correspondent
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, PhD, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with the People’s Republic of China, describing the relationship between both countries as one of immense importance to Nigeria’s foreign policy and economic development objectives.
The Permanent Secretary made the remarks when he received the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Nigeria, His Excellency Yu Dunhai, to discuss details of the upcoming political consultation meeting in July, 2026. During the meeting, Ambassador Ahmed underscored the importance of sustained consultations and enhanced synergy between both countries ahead of forthcoming bilateral engagements, particularly the Nigeria-China Sub-Committee Meeting.
According to a statement by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, mentioned Dunoma as saying that the engagements between the two countries would provide an opportunity for both sides to align priorities and deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
During the meeting, Ambassador Ahmed was qouted by describing that Nigeria’s relationship with China as a key component of the country’s foreign policy and economic development agenda.
The statement reads in part, “The Chinese Ambassador, His Excellency Yu Dunhai, reaffirmed China’s commitment to further strengthening its comprehensive strategic partnership with Nigeria. He stated that the forthcoming consultations would serve as an opportunity to review progress made in implementing agreements reached during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s State Visit to China in September 2024, as well as subsequent bilateral engagements between the two countries.
In his remarks,, Ambassador Yu highlighted significant achievements in Nigeria-China cooperation, particularly in infrastructure development, trade, industrialisation, power generation and railway modernisation. He also commended the positive impact of China’s zero-tariff policy for eligible Nigerian exports, which came into effect on 1st May 2026, noting that the initiative had already contributed to increased Nigerian exports to the Chinese market and would further stimulate investment, industrial growth and job creation.”
The statement addrd that on bilateral and multilateral issues, the Chinese Ambassador expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s continued support on issues of mutual concern.
“He further conveyed China’s readiness to deepen cooperation with Nigeria in regional peace and security, counter-terrorism efforts, multilateral affairs, artificial intelligence governance, educational exchanges, cultural diplomacy and youth development initiatives.
Ambassador Yu also acknowledged the efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria and its security agencies in addressing security challenges affecting foreign nationals and investments, while emphasising the importance of sustaining measures aimed at ensuring a safe and conducive environment for business operations and foreign investment. (GSF)
