National News

55 Years of Win-Win: Nigeria and China’s Growing Partnership

Published

4 months ago

February 6, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

55 Years of Win-Win: Nigeria and China’s Growing Partnership

By Raphael Oni

February 10, 2026, marks a significant milestone in Nigeria-China relations, as the two countries celebrate 55 years of diplomatic ties. Over the years, their partnership has blossomed into a comprehensive strategic cooperation, with China emerging as one of Nigeria’s largest trading partners and investors.

“China and Nigeria are entering a new phase in their bilateral relationship — one that aims to move beyond the traditional, trade-heavy dynamic towards a mutually beneficial development model,” said President Xi Jinping.

The relationship between Nigeria and China is built on mutual respect, trust, and cooperation. The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) has played a pivotal role in strengthening ties between China and Africa, including Nigeria. Established in 2000, FOCAC has provided a platform for China and African countries to discuss issues of mutual interest, promote economic cooperation, and enhance cultural exchanges.

“Over the years, China and Nigeria have built a strategic partnership anchored on mutual respect, shared aspirations and practical cooperation,” said Hon. Yakubu.

One of the key areas of cooperation between Nigeria and China is infrastructure development. China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has been instrumental in transforming Nigeria’s infrastructure landscape. The BRI has facilitated the construction of critical infrastructure projects, including the Abuja-Kaduna, Lagos-Ibadan, and Ibadan-Kano rail lines, as well as the expansion and modernization of Nigeria’s international airports.

“The synergy between Nigeria’s resource-rich economy and China’s technological prowess presents vast opportunities for cooperation in areas such as infrastructure development, trade, and security,” noted Ambassador Amedu Ode while speaking on the partnership between the two countries.

The Lekki Deep Seaport, a flagship BRI project, has become a game-changer for Nigeria’s economy, enhancing the country’s trade capacity and positioning it as a major logistics hub in West Africa. China’s investments in Nigeria’s infrastructure have not only improved transportation networks but also created jobs and stimulated economic growth.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with the People’s Republic of China following a courtesy visit by the Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy, Zhou Hongyou, to the Spokesperson of the Ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, in his office recently. The Spokesperson in a chat with media said, “Nigeria have very cordial relations with the People’s Republic of China. It is a relationship based on mutual respect and cooperation in various areas that spans across economic, cultural, technological transfer etc to mention but few.” He noted that the relationship has direct impact on Nigeria economy, creating jobs, building capacity, technology transfer and many more.

Ebienfa said both sides reaffirmed at the meeting the shared commitment of Nigeria and China toward deepening diplomatic engagement, enhancing institutional cooperation and expanding people-to-people exchanges for mutual benefit. The discussions also focused on the importance of reciprocal visits, study tours and exposure programmes for diplomats to enhance mutual understanding, including short-term and specialized training programmes in governance, administration, strategic communication and public diplomacy. Reference was made to training initiatives coordinated by Chinese academic institutions, particularly Peking University, aimed at promoting experience-sharing among developing countries. “China is prepared to be a partner of Nigeria to stand up to challenges,” said Zhou Hongyou.

Nigeria and China have also strengthened their cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, and technology. China is Nigeria’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $21.89 billion in 2024. Nigeria exports crude oil, liquefied natural gas, and other commodities to China, while China exports machinery, electronics, and textiles to Nigeria.

In 2018, Nigeria and China signed a $2.4 billion currency swap deal, which has helped to boost trade and investment between the two countries. China has also established a number of industrial parks and special economic zones in Nigeria, providing a platform for Chinese companies to invest and operate in the country.

“The relationship between Nigeria and China has yielded tangible benefits for both countries, from infrastructure to technology, trade, education and cultural exchanges,” said Joseph Tegbe, Director-General of Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership.

In addition to economic cooperation, Nigeria and China have also strengthened their cultural and educational ties. China has established Confucius Institutes in several Nigerian universities, promoting Chinese language and culture. Nigeria and China have also signed agreements on cooperation in education, science, and technology. “Nigeria has consistently upheld the One-China principle as the basis of its relations with the People’s Republic of China,” stated the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership.

Nigeria and China have strengthened their bilateral ties, elevating their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in September 2024. This partnership aims to enhance cooperation in infrastructure, technology, education, and cultural exchanges.

Key Areas of Cooperation: China’s involvement in Nigeria spans multiple sectors, driving development across the country. While China maintains a policy of non-interference in Nigeria’s internal politics, its footprint is evident in various key areas. Let us examine the following:

Infrastructure Development: China has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s infrastructure growth, including the construction of roads, bridges, railways (e.g., Abuja-Kaduna and Lagos-Ibadan rail projects), and ports.

Economic Ties: Nigeria is China’s largest engineering contract recipient in Africa and its second-largest export market. Bilateral trade reached $21.89 billion in 2024, with China’s imports from Nigeria totaling $2.99 billion.

Energy and Power: China has invested in Nigeria’s energy sector, supporting projects like the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Plant and providing solar energy solutions.

Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): Nigeria is a key partner in China’s BRI, with projects like the Lekki Deep Seaport enhancing Nigeria’s trade capacity and positioning it as a major logistics hub in West Africa.

Telecommunications: Chinese companies like Huawei and ZTE have played a major role in expanding Nigeria’s telecom infrastructure, including 4G networks and fibre-optic cables.

Manufacturing and Industrialization: China has established manufacturing hubs in Nigeria, focusing on industries like textiles, cement, and steel production.

Agriculture: China has supported Nigeria’s agricultural development through initiatives like the China-Nigeria Agricultural Technology Demonstration Centre.

Healthcare: China has contributed to Nigeria’s healthcare sector through medical infrastructure development, equipment supply, and training programs.

Education and Capacity Building: China offers scholarships and training programs for Nigerian professionals, promoting knowledge transfer and capacity development.

People-to-People Exchanges: The China-Nigeria Friendship Hospital in Abuja provides medical services to Nigerians, with 200,000 patient visits annually and training for over 1,000 medical professionals.

Strategic Partnership: The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership establishes cooperation in technology, education, and cultural exchanges, promoting mutual growth and global stability.

The diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China, established on February 10, 1971, have been marked by a series of high-level visits that underscore the deepening ties between the two nations. Over the years, these exchanges have fostered cooperation, mutual understanding, and robust partnerships.

“The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Nigeria and China is expected to drive economic growth, improve infrastructure, and enhance Nigeria’s global standing,” said Yu Dunhai, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria.

The comprehensive strategic partnership between Nigeria and China has yielded significant benefits for both countries. Nigeria has gained access to much-needed infrastructure financing and technical expertise, while China has secured a reliable source of energy and a growing market for its goods and services. As Nigeria and China look to the future, there are opportunities for further cooperation in areas such as agriculture, healthcare, and renewable energy. The two countries can also work together to promote regional integration and stability in Africa.

Chinese leaders have played a significant role in shaping the relationship. Vice Premier Geng Biao’s visit in October 1978 laid the groundwork for strengthened bilateral relations. This was followed by Vice Premier Huang Hua’s visit in November 1981, which further solidified ties. Vice Premier Tian Jiyun’s visit in November 1984 marked a significant milestone in economic cooperation. President Hu Jintao’s visits in 2004 and 2006 underscored China’s commitment to Nigeria’s development. Most recently, Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister, visited Nigeria in January 2025, highlighting the growing strategic partnership.

Nigerian leaders have also made significant contributions to the relationship. Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon’s visit in September 1974 was a pioneering step in Nigeria-China relations. President Olusegun Obasanjo’s visits in April 1999 and August 2001 strengthened economic ties. President Goodluck Jonathan’s state visit in July 2013 marked a significant milestone in bilateral cooperation. President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit in April 2018 further deepened ties. Vice President Kashim Shettima’s participation in the Third Belt and Road Forum in October 2023 highlighted Nigeria’s engagement with China’s global initiatives. President Bola Tinubu’s visit in September 2024, attending the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to the partnership.

These high-level visits have woven a tapestry of cooperation, driving progress in trade, investment, infrastructure, and cultural exchange. As Nigeria and China continue to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world, their partnership remains a beacon of mutual respect and shared aspirations. These visits have strengthened bilateral ties, with agreements signed on trade, investment, infrastructure development, and cultural exchange.

President Goodluck Jonathan’s 2013 visit led to agreements on a $1.1 billion loan for infrastructure projects, defense cooperation, economic and technical cooperation, and visa exemptions for diplomatic and official passport holders.

In January 2017, Wang Yi’s Visit to Nigeria, Nigeria signed the One China Principle, acknowledging Taiwan as part of China. Nigeria obtained a $40 billion investment pledge from China.

In April 2018, President Muhammadu Buhari‘s Visit to China and Signed agreements worth over $6 billion, including: $1 billion for the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone, $200 million for gas facilities, $478 million for a 300MW solar power project, $55 million for a granite mining plant, Agreed on a $2.4 billion currency swap deal.

In September 2024, Presidents Xi Jinping and Bola Tinubu announced the elevation of China-Nigeria relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership. Agreements signed during the visits includes; Belt and Road Initiative cooperation, Nuclear energy cooperation, Human resource development, Media exchange and cooperation. His Excellency Wang Yi’s Visit to Nigeria in January 2025 witnessed discussion on cooperation in clean energy, defense, and finance, Nigeria and China agreed to expand the $2 billion currency swap agreement. “China’s commitment to Africa, including Nigeria, is guided by the principle of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith” said Ms. Yan Yuqing, Consul General in Nigeria.

Following President Tinubu’s visit to Beijing in September 2024, Nigeria established a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with China, with Joseph Tegbe serving as Director General. Tegbe’s extensive international experience has been a significant asset in strengthening China-Nigeria relations. He has led several strategic visits to China and hosted high-level Chinese delegations in Nigeria, contributing to the growth of the partnership between these fraternal nation.

One of the visit hosted by the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) included a high-powered delegation from the Central Party School of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in Abuja, marking a significant milestone in bilateral institutional cooperation. The visit focused on governance, public service reform, investment, and strategic development planning.

The Chinese delegation, led by Vice President of the Central Party School, Professor Gong Weibin, during the dicussion with the Director General of NCSP reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the One China Policy. Tegbe emphasized Nigeria’s desire to build a forward-looking development partnership founded on mutual respect, strategic coordination, and shared prosperity.

The Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Mr. Joseph Tegbe in one of his high-level working visit to China, secured key partnerships aimed at driving Nigeria’s development. During his visit, Mr. Tegbe engaged with prominent Chinese companies, exploring opportunities for industrial cooperation and strategic development projects.

These strategic engagements are part of NCSP’s broader mission to build transformative partnerships that leverage China’s technological expertise while addressing Nigeria’s development priorities. The partnerships are expected to drive economic growth, improve infrastructure, and enhance the quality of life for Nigerians.

The NCSP DG’s visit to China demonstrates the organization’s commitment to fostering mutually beneficial relationships between Nigeria and China. The partnerships secured during the visit are expected to have a significant impact on Nigeria’s development, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, healthcare, and environmental sustainability.

In conclusion, the multifaceted engagements between Nigeria and China, spanning governmental collaborations and people-to-people connections, underscore a robust foundation for bilateral relations. As a student of international relations, it’s evident that the strategic partnership between these two nations is poised for significant growth, driven by mutual interests and shared developmental goals.

The synergy between Nigeria’s resource-rich economy and China’s technological prowess presents vast opportunities for cooperation in areas such as infrastructure development, trade, and security. Moreover, the cultural exchanges and people-to-people diplomacy initiatives have fostered a sense of camaraderie and shared destiny between the two nations.

As Nigeria and China continue to navigate the complexities of global geopolitics, their partnership is likely to play a pivotal role in shaping regional and international dynamics. With a strong foundation in place, a brighter shared future for China-Nigeria relations seems not only plausible but inevitable, promising benefits for both nations and the broader global community.

Raphael Oni, a renowned Nigerian journalist, diplomatic correspondent, and media consultant with over two decades of experience covering national and international news, focusing on diplomacy, politics, and global affairs. He’s been dubbed the “Dean of Diplomatic Reporters” due to his extensive expertise in diplomatic reporting.

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National News

Tegbe Woos Investors to Power 35,000 Health Facilities, Says Healthcare Electrification Biggest Energy Opportunity in Africa

Published

13 hours ago

June 16, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Tegbe Woos Investors to Power 35,000 Health Facilities, Says Healthcare Electrification Biggest Energy Opportunity in Africa

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has intensified efforts to attract local and international capital into Nigeria’s healthcare sector, with Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe declaring the electrification of over 35,000 health facilities nationwide as one of Africa’s most attractive investment opportunities.

Speaking at the National Healthcare Electrification Investor Matchmaking Forum held in Lagos under the Nigeria Power for Health Initiative (NPHI), Tegbe urged investors to embrace innovative and sustainable financing models capable of ending the chronic energy deficits that continue to undermine healthcare delivery across the country.

The forum, organised by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in partnership with UK PACT, brought together government officials, development partners, hospital administrators and private sector leaders to explore pathways for mobilising private capital into healthcare electrification.

Tegbe said reliable electricity had become indispensable to modern healthcare delivery, stressing that access to power was no longer merely an infrastructure issue but a critical determinant of patient outcomes, emergency response capabilities and the overall effectiveness of health institutions.

Describing himself as an early stakeholder in the initiative before assuming office as Minister of Power, he reaffirmed his commitment to driving its implementation, noting that the programme aligns with the power sector reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to the minister, the country’s more than 35,000 registered primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities represent a vast pipeline of commercially viable projects capable of attracting investment into solar mini-grids, hybrid energy systems, battery storage technologies, smart metering, energy management platforms and climate-resilient infrastructure.

“The opportunity before investors is significant and scalable,” Tegbe said, adding that healthcare electrification offers long-term prospects for sustainable returns while addressing a critical social need.

He assured prospective investors that the Federal Government would provide the policy support, regulatory certainty and inter-ministerial coordination required to de-risk investments and ensure successful project delivery.

Tegbe disclosed that the Ministry of Power is already implementing similar interventions through the World Bank-supported Nigeria Electrification Project, under which solar mini-grids and hybrid energy solutions have been deployed in healthcare facilities across the country.

He also pointed to the provisions of the Electricity Act as a robust regulatory framework that supports power purchase agreements, mini-grid licensing and increased participation by state governments in electricity projects.

The minister maintained that the ultimate goal of the initiative is to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and position Nigeria as a preferred destination for quality healthcare services in Africa.

Also speaking at the forum, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, described the NPHI as a strategic departure from traditional donor-dependent interventions towards a commercially sustainable Energy-as-a-Service model.

Under the framework, he explained, specialised energy providers would finance, install and maintain power systems for healthcare facilities, thereby eliminating one of the most persistent obstacles to effective healthcare delivery.

Salako noted that unreliable power supply continues to threaten the operation of theatres, diagnostic equipment, vaccine cold-chain systems and emergency services across many health institutions.

He said the initiative is built on blended financing mechanisms, institutional preparedness and national scalability, with the first phase targeting federal tertiary hospitals before expanding to primary and secondary healthcare facilities nationwide.

According to him, a new governance structure has already been established to drive implementation, strengthen investor confidence and unlock private-sector participation in the healthcare energy market.

The renewed push by government signals a major attempt to leverage private investment to solve one of the healthcare sector’s most enduring challenges, while simultaneously opening a potentially multi-billion-dollar market for clean energy developers and infrastructure financiers.

Tegbe Woos Investors to Power 35,000 Health Facilities, Says Healthcare Electrification Biggest Energy Opportunity in Africa

National News

Muslim Media Practitioners Demand Public Holiday for Islamic New Year

Published

13 hours ago

June 16, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Muslim Media Practitioners Demand Public Holiday for Islamic New Year

By: Michael Mike

The Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN) has renewed its call on the federal and state governments to declare the first day of the Islamic calendar, Muharram 1, a public holiday, arguing that millions of Muslims deserve the same recognition accorded Christians on January 1 of the Gregorian calendar.

The group made the demand as Muslims across Nigeria and the world marked the commencement of Hijrah 1448 A.H on Tuesday.

In a statement signed by its National President, Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Balogun, MMPN said the declaration of a public holiday for the Islamic New Year would reflect fairness, justice, and adherence to the rule of law while strengthening religious harmony in the country.

“Muharram 1 is our own January 1. We want both the Federal and state governments alike to declare it as such in the interest of religious harmony in the country,” Balogun stated.

The association argued that official recognition of the Islamic New Year would give Muslims a greater sense of belonging and further reinforce national unity in Nigeria’s multi-religious society.

MMPN also urged governments at all levels to formally recognize and use the Islamic calendar alongside the Gregorian calendar in official engagements.

The group called on the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) to engage government authorities on the issue and other matters affecting the Muslim community.

While congratulating Muslims and non-Muslims on the new Islamic year, Balogun urged adherents of Islam to use the occasion for self-reflection, moral renewal, and prayers for the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

He also commended governors in several northern states as well as Oyo and Osun states for declaring public holidays to mark the Islamic New Year and urged other state governments to emulate the gesture.

On security, Balogun condemned ongoing attacks and killings by insurgent groups, describing them as un-Islamic, and appealed to perpetrators to embrace peace and end violence.

He further advocated tougher legislation against rape, kidnapping, and terrorism, lamenting what he described as a culture of impunity that allows many offenders to evade justice.

The MMPN president urged Nigerians to celebrate the Islamic New Year in moderation and pray for peace, stability, and progress in the country.

Muslim Media Practitioners Demand Public Holiday for Islamic New Year

National News

FG To Roll Out 10,000 Electric Tricycles To Nigerian Market In August, Says VP Shettima

Published

13 hours ago

June 16, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

FG To Roll Out 10,000 Electric Tricycles To Nigerian Market In August, Says VP Shettima

Adds: President Tinubu’s priority is to move Nigeria from fragmented transport system to integrated logistics chain

By: Our Reporter

The Federal Government is set to roll out 10,000 electric tricycles for use as part of a broad plan to ease public transportation across Nigeria.

The tricycles will be distributed by the North East Development Commission (NEDC) in August, 2026 for use across the northeast region and beyond.

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, who disclosed this during a courtesy call by The Transporters For Tinubu / Shettima 2027, said the President “has approved the replication of the initiative in other parts of the country by the various regional development commissions.”

He noted that the priority of the administration of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is to move Nigeria from a fragmented transport system to an integrated logistics chain where ports, rail lines, CNG-powered trucks, inland waterways, airports and local feeder roads work together to support commerce, agriculture, industry and national integration.

Senator Shettima explained that the federal government’s transport reform agenda is anchored on the nationwide rollout of Compressed Natural Gas, major port upgrades and a stronger logistics chain.

This, he said, is aimed at improving working conditions for transport workers across road, rail, maritime, aviation and pipeline operations.

VP Shettima maintained that the Tinubu administration is determined to build a transport economy that lowers the cost of movement, reduces delays at ports, connects farms to markets, strengthens national productivity and gives transporters a more dignified place in the country’s development process.

“Our vision is an unbroken logistics chain, where a container moves from a deep-sea port to a rail wagon, then to a CNG-powered truck, then to a trader in Ariaria Market or Maiduguri, without delay or policy failure,” he said.

He said the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative has begun to prove that Nigeria can use its domestic gas resources to reduce the cost of transportation, especially for heavy-duty vehicles, while government continues to address the technical and infrastructure concerns affecting smaller vehicles.

“We said CNG could cut fuel costs by over 60 per cent, and many called it fantasy. Today, heavy-duty trucks run on Nigerian gas, proving sceptics wrong and returning money to your pockets,” he stated.

Senator Shettima added that the administration is also pushing reforms in the maritime sector through the operationalisation of Lekki Deep Sea Port, the development of the National Single Window and renewed attention to inland waterways, saying the objective is to make Nigerian ports more efficient and globally competitive.

“Before this administration, clearing a container could become an encounter with frustration, corruption, and decay. We promised to unlock the blue economy. Today, with Lekki Deep Sea Port operational, the National Single Window taking shape, and inland waterways receiving attention, our ports are preparing to compete with the world’s best,” he said.

The Vice President also assured transporters that the Federal Government would continue to support policies that promote affordable fuel, insurable fleets, bankable contracts and dignified working conditions.

“This administration shall continue to stand with the Nigerian transporter. We shall continue to fight for affordable fuel, insurable fleets, bankable contracts, and dignified working conditions. We shall build roads that last, rails that stretch across this great nation, ports that breathe, and airports that reflect our pride,” he said.

Earlier in his remarks, the Technical Adviser to the Vice President on Transportation, Logistics and Innovation, Prince Segun Obayendo, said the group, which constitutes a critical engine of Nigeria’s socio-economic survival, was unanimous in its endorsement and support for the Tinubu/Shettima presidency in the 2027 presidential election.

He said the executives of all the groups in the nation’s transport sector comprising air, maritime, rail and road unions, had consulted widely and were emphatic about their conviction and support for the Tinubu administration based on its achievements across different sectors.

Prince Obayendo said the group is convinced that the administration of President Tinubu has set the country on the path of positive growth hence they are prepared to mobilise the support of members of the various unions in the transport sector to ensure Mr President’s re-election in 2027.

For his part, Secretary-General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Oniha Erazua, expressed gratitude to the Tinubu administration for the recognition given to unions in the transport sector in his government.

He said transporters and other stakeholders are convinced that the reforms of the Tinubu administration in the sector would yield greater dividends if sustained, hence their resolve to support the Tinubu/Shettima ticket in the 2027 election.

FG To Roll Out 10,000 Electric Tricycles To Nigerian Market In August, Says VP Shettima