In a high-level meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Yu Dunhai paid an official visit to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, reaffirming the strength of the China–Nigeria Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and pledging expanded cooperation across trade, security, and economic development.
Ambassador Yu described the bilateral relationship as having entered a “fast track,” grounded in mutual trust and aligned strategic interests. “China supports Nigeria’s efforts in combating terrorism,” he said, adding that Beijing is ready to help implement zero-tariff treatment for Nigerian exports and deepen cooperation under agreed development frameworks.
Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar, who received the Ambassador alongside other top officials, lauded China as Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, committing to broaden collaboration in manufacturing, trade, and investment.
Ambassador Yu pointed to several outcomes of the partnership this year, including increased Chinese investment in key sectors and growing trade volume. Official figures show that Nigeria–China trade recently exceeded US $20 billion, with China ranking high among Nigeria’s leading foreign investors.
Looking ahead, both countries agreed to accelerate the zero-tariff policy for Nigerian exports and explore new areas of cooperation under a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which could significantly boost Nigeria’s export potential.
The meeting also underscored ongoing collaboration in security — with China reaffirming support for Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts — and in industrial development, including planned investments in manufacturing and technology sector cooperation.
The renewed commitment follows heightened diplomatic engagement since President Tinubu’s state visit to China last year, which elevated bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Ambassador Yu emphasized that the partnership is meant to yield tangible benefits for ordinary Nigerians — including increased trade, industrial diversification, job creation, and enhanced security cooperation. “We stand ready to work with Nigeria to consolidate strategic mutual trust, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and deliver greater benefits to our peoples,” he said.
For Nigeria, the renewed China-engagement comes at a time when the government is aggressively pursuing economic diversification, infrastructure development, and reforms aimed at boosting manufacturing and export capacity. The timing suggests the partnership could be a cornerstone in realizing those national goals.
