Nigeria, China Pledge to Strengthen Bilateral Ties and Boost Trade, Investment

Nigeria, China Pledge to Strengthen Bilateral Ties and Boost Trade, Investment

The Director-General of the Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Mr. Joseph Tegbe, recently hosted a high-level delegation from the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, including Mr. Zhou Hongyou, Charge d’Affaires, and Mr. Wang Yingqi, Minister Counsellor for Economic and Commercial Affairs, among other senior officials.

During the meeting, Tegbe reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with China and reiterated support for the One-China principle. He highlighted Nigeria’s ambition to scale bilateral trade to 350 billion RMB (approximately $50 billion) by 2030, aiming for Nigerian exports to account for at least 30% of total trade volume. Tegbe emphasized that this target would be achieved through the upcoming zero-tariff policy and increased export of agricultural products, while stressing the importance of strategic economic collaboration to drive sustainable growth for Nigerian businesses.

In response, Mr. Zhou expressed satisfaction with the growing Nigeria–China relationship and underscored the need to explore further economic and commercial cooperation, particularly in technology, agriculture, and human capacity development. He noted that the zero-tariff agreement would create significant opportunities for Nigerian businesses, boost bilateral trade, and further solidify the partnership between the two countries.

The delegation also reaffirmed support for Nigeria’s industrialization initiatives, including steel development and the agricultural sector, and expressed commitment to ongoing development projects aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

On behalf of the Nigerian government and people, Tegbe congratulated the Chinese people ahead of the upcoming Chinese Spring Festival, marking the Lunar New Year, and emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to deepening cultural, diplomatic, and economic ties for a stronger, mutually beneficial bilateral partnership.