China has committed to advancing Nigeria’s infrastructural development across key sectors such as transportation, ports, and free trade zones to support the West African nation’s goal of achieving integrated development and connectivity. This commitment was reaffirmed during Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing visit to China.
Tinubu emphasized the vast investment opportunities in Africa, highlighting its vibrant population, productive economy, and rich natural resources. This pledge was formalized in a joint statement released yesterday, which outlined a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the People’s Republic of China and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The statement detailed that China will play a proactive role in supporting Nigeria’s infrastructure projects, enhancing connectivity between the two countries. This collaboration aims to leverage Nigeria’s geographic and developmental advantages in West Africa, promoting cross-national and cross-regional cooperation.
During the visit, which included attendance at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), President Tinubu and Chinese President Xi Jinping engaged in cordial discussions, exploring the future of China-Nigeria relations and broader international issues. Both leaders acknowledged the new historical juncture their countries have reached as prominent representatives of developing nations and emerging economies.
The upgraded partnership will drive new dynamics in China-Africa relations and foster collective progress in the Global South. The two presidents agreed to bolster mutual trust and support each other’s core interests, including sovereignty and territorial integrity. China also voiced support for Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to enhance national unity, security, and economic development.
The joint statement underscored Nigeria’s adherence to the One-China principle and opposition to Taiwan independence, aligning with China’s stance on national reunification. Both sides praised the role of FOCAC in strengthening China-Africa cooperation over the past 24 years and expressed optimism that the recent summit marks a new era of unity and collaboration.
The agreement includes mutual support for development initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Global Development Initiative (GDI), and the Global Security Initiative (GSI). The countries will also collaborate on multilateral platforms like the UN, G20, and BRICS, and advocate for reforms in the UN Security Council to better reflect current geopolitical realities.
Furthermore, China applauded Nigeria’s efforts in regional peace and integration and encouraged expanded trade between the nations through various platforms, including the China International Import Expo and the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo. Nigeria, in turn, is eager to enhance its partnership with China in energy, mineral resources, and other sectors, aiming to establish plants in Nigeria and attract Chinese investments.
Both countries expressed their commitment to sustainable development, economic growth, and tackling global challenges through collaborative efforts in digital economy, green development, and agricultural modernization. They also welcomed initiatives such as the Global Initiative for Artificial Intelligence Governance and expressed a shared commitment to a transparent, non-discriminatory business environment.
Nigeria’s leading role in ECOWAS and its efforts to stabilize the region were commended by China, which supports Nigeria’s leadership in regional affairs and efforts to combat terrorism. President Tinubu reiterated Africa’s potential for economic growth and development, advocating for a strategic focus on mutually beneficial collaboration between Africa and China.
In a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing, Tinubu underscored the importance of focusing on collaborative areas to ensure the relationship between the two nations remains mutually beneficial. He praised FOCAC’s role in advancing partnerships for development and expressed enthusiasm for the strategic partnership being forged.
Written By: Blossom Kugbere.