Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to One-China Policy, Seeks Deeper Economic Ties – NCSP

Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to One-China Policy, Seeks Deeper Economic Ties – NCSP

The Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the One-China Principle, describing the relationship between both countries as one built on mutual respect, trust and shared strategic interests.

Director-General of the NCSP, Joseph Tegbe, stated this in a policy statement highlighting the long-standing diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and China.

According to Tegbe, China’s position on the One-China Principle remains central to its foreign policy, stressing that Beijing considers the People’s Republic of China as the only legitimate Chinese government, with Taiwan regarded as an inseparable part of its territory.

He noted that Nigeria has consistently maintained support for the One-China Principle since establishing diplomatic relations with China in 1971, in line with Nigeria’s foreign policy principles of sovereignty, non-interference and mutual respect among nations.

Tegbe recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s position during his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing in 2024, where Nigeria recognised the Government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal authority representing China and expressed support for China’s pursuit of national reunification.

He added that the National Assembly has also reinforced Nigeria’s stance, citing comments by Hon. Jafar Yakubu, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on China-Nigeria Parliamentary Relations, who described Nigeria’s support for the One-China Principle as consistent with international law and existing bilateral agreements.

The NCSP boss said the enduring diplomatic relationship between both countries has created strong political trust that can now be leveraged to deepen economic cooperation in key sectors including manufacturing, technology transfer, industrialisation and export-oriented production.

According to him, China has already played significant roles in the development of Nigeria’s railway infrastructure, ports, energy projects, telecommunications and industrial capacity.

He, however, stressed the need for both countries to expand collaboration into areas such as the digital economy, solid minerals, agro-processing and broader industrial development.

Tegbe explained that the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership remains focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, technology transfer, infrastructure development and capacity building, with emphasis on delivering measurable economic benefits to Nigeria.