Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening Ties with China as Foreign Ministers Meet in Abuja.

By Caroline Ameh

The Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to fostering stronger ties with China during a high-profile meeting with the Chinese Foreign Minister, H.E. Wang Yi, in Abuja, today (09/01/25). The meeting focused on deepening bilateral cooperation in key areas including trade, investment, infrastructure, and cultural exchange.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Tuggar expressed gratitude to Minister Wang Yi and the Chinese delegation for visiting Nigeria, emphasizing the historical ties between the two nations.

“I am deeply honoured to welcome you to Abuja, Nigeria, on this significant occasion. Today, we gather to strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between our great nations,” the minister said.

Commenting on the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and China, Ambassador Tuggar noted that both countries have benefited immensely from their partnership, which has been built on mutual respect, trust, and a shared commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity.

“As we meet, I am reminded of the rich history of Nigeria-China relations, built on mutual respect, trust, and a shared commitment to advancing peace, stability, and prosperity. Our cooperation has yielded fruitful results in various fields, including trade, investment, infrastructure development, and cultural exchange,” he said.

The Nigerian foreign minister acknowledged China’s remarkable achievements in economic development and technological innovation and expressed Nigeria’s desire to learn from China’s successes. He stressed that Nigeria is undergoing significant transformations in its quest to become a more prosperous, peaceful, and democratic nation.

Ambassador Tuggar outlined key areas for further collaboration, particularly in trade facilitation, capacity building, and people-to-people exchanges, expressing optimism that the discussions would yield meaningful outcomes.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering support for the One-China Policy and pledged continued diplomatic backing for China on the international stage. He also praised the dispute-free diplomatic relationship between the two countries, which has brought substantial benefits to both sides.

“Our diplomatic relationship and continuous collaboration with China have been free from disputes, bringing significant benefits to both countries. We recognize the high-level visits between officials of both countries that have helped shape and strengthen our relations,” Ambassador Tuggar said.

The minister recalled the state visit of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to China from September 3 to 4, 2024, during which four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed. He assured the Chinese delegation of Nigeria’s commitment to implementing the agreements outlined in the MoUs.

“Recall that H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, paid a state visit to China in September 2024, during which four MoUs were signed. Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to the terms of these agreements, which are currently at various stages of implementation,” he said.

In his concluding remarks, Ambassador Tuggar extended a warm welcome to Minister Wang Yi and his delegation and expressed hope for stronger ties in the future.

“Once again, I extend a warm welcome to you, Your Excellency, and your delegation. Let us work together to elevate Nigeria-China relations to new heights,” he concluded.