NCSP DG Congratulates China on Spring Festival, Highlights New Phase in Nigeria–China Economic Ties

NCSP DG Congratulates China on Spring Festival, Highlights New Phase in Nigeria–China Economic Ties

As China celebrates the Spring Festival and the start of a new Lunar Year, Joseph Tegbe has extended warm congratulations to the Government and People of China, noting that 2026 also marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria  and the People's Republic of China.

In a statement, Tegbe described the milestone as a testament to a resilient and steadily growing partnership that has evolved from formal diplomatic engagement in 1971 into one of Africa’s most consequential economic relationships. Now elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Nigeria–China relations encompass infrastructure development, trade, industrial investment, technology cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges. China remains Nigeria’s largest trading partner and a key contributor to infrastructure modernization, supporting rail, port, power, and industrial projects that have strengthened national productivity and connectivity.

Tegbe described this period as a “new dawn” in bilateral relations, driven by a shift toward higher-value economic integration and export-led growth. He highlighted the Zero-Tariff initiative recently announced by China for qualifying African exports, including Nigeria, calling it a transformative opportunity to expand non-oil exports and deepen industrial processing.

“The Zero-Tariff Agreement offers Nigerian producers enhanced access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets and creates a strategic pathway for export diversification and job creation,” he said, adding that success will require disciplined execution, quality compliance, and strong private sector participation. He noted that the Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership is collaborating with stakeholders to ensure Nigeria fully leverages this preferential trade window, turning diplomatic goodwill into measurable economic outcomes.

“As we celebrate 55 years of partnership, the Spring Festival’s spirit of renewal reflects the next phase of China–Nigeria relations, one defined by deeper economic integration, industrial upgrading, and shared prosperity,” Tegbe concluded.