Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's economic reforms, citing their positive impact on Nigeria's economic recovery and cooperation between the two nations. This statement was made during an event celebrating the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in Abuja. The anniversary is particularly significant as it coincides with Nigeria's October 1st National Day. Ambassador Yu highlighted that President Tinubu's structural reforms, macroeconomic stabilization, and business environment enhancements have created optimal conditions for deeper cooperation.
Ambassador Yu emphasized the growth in Nigeria-China bilateral relations, particularly in economic partnerships and aquatic exports. He noted that in the first half of the year, bilateral trade reached $18 billion, a 35% increase, with Chinese imports from Nigeria surging by 81%. These developments have provided strong institutional support for trade expansion between the two countries. The ambassador expressed China's readiness to align its 15th Five-Year Plan with President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda across industrialization, digital, green, and blue economies.
The Chinese Ambassador invited Nigeria to join the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation, aiming to share in global tech development. He expressed optimism about future cooperation, stating that it holds boundless potential. Ambassador Yu also reflected on his two years in Nigeria, commending the Nigerian spirit as resilient, optimistic, and self-reliant. He praised the nation's drive to seize new opportunities amid change and open new horizons through hard work.
Celebrating 55 years of diplomatic ties, Ambassador Yu noted that both nations have grown closer through mutual respect and shared success. He stated that under the strategic leadership of President Xi Jinping and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the relationship has entered the fast lane. The ambassador also highlighted China's ongoing growth, with a GDP growth of 4.7% in the first half of the year, driven by emerging tech sectors like AI, robotics, and innovative pharmaceuticals.
Joseph Tegbe, Director-General of the Nigeria-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Minister of Power, acknowledged the deep ties between the two nations. He appreciated China's contribution through investment, financing, and engineering to landmark projects such as the Lekki Deep Sea Port, railway modernization, and the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Station. Tegbe also valued cooperation in healthcare, people-to-people exchanges, and technical trade.
Yusuf Dantalle, National Chairman of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), urged Nigerians to emulate China's commitment to national development. He noted that China's success was not by chance but through sacrifice, defeating corruption, and maintaining political stability. Dantalle praised China's contribution to the global economy and supported sustained diplomatic and economic ties.
The event also highlighted China's global initiatives, such as the World Data Organisation and the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation. Additionally, China has implemented a zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries, which boosted Chinese imports from Africa by 24% in May and June. The anniversary celebration served as a platform to reflect on the strong bilateral relations and explore opportunities for further cooperation between Nigeria and China.
Key points
- The bilateral trade between Nigeria and China reached $18 billion in the first half of the year, a 35% increase.
- China has invited Nigeria to join the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation.
- President Tinubu's economic reforms have boosted Nigeria's economic recovery and created optimal conditions for deeper cooperation with China.
