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Chinese Modernization And China’s 75 Years of Poverty Reduction Achievements

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Chinese Modernization And China’s 75 Years of Poverty Reduction Achievements

By Dr. Bridget Chiedu Onochie

It would be practically impossible to talk about Chinese modernization and the phenomenal poverty reduction without mentioning the impressive and development–driven reforms initiated by the Communist Party of China (CPC).


Over the past 75 years of its history, China was said to have lifted over 800 million people out of extreme poverty – a feat that was historically unprecedented and documented for accounting for about 75 per cent of global poverty reduction between 1981 and 2020.


This attainment was achieved through decades of speedy economic growth and comprehensive reforms, which began in the late 1970s. With its attendant improvement in living standards, developed infrastructure and increased incomes, China was able to meet the goals of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by 2021, a decade earlier than the target year.


This development best defines ‘Chinese modernization’ – the political will of Chinese government to transform the economy, the society and the mode of governance for national rejuvenation and prosperity. Thus, the CPC government resolved to vigorously pursue economic reconstruction, high-quality development with focus on innovations, sustainability and efficiency-driven growth.
Chinese modernization equally involves technological advancements and global economic influence; which China obviously flourishes across the globe.


Through its modernization process, the living standard of its citizens have been enhanced with glaring reforms in education and healthcare. Meanwhile, a comprehensive social safety net, social services, state capacity strengthening, transparent legal system and promotion of traditional Chinese culture alongside modern values, were entrenched as national norms.


Consequently, different countries of the world, including Nigeria, seek to adopt the Chinese modernization model for accelerated development. The country’s ability to transform from extreme poverty to socio-economic stability built on the foundational principle and philosophical ideology that it is only through the empowerment of citizens for future self-reliance that a country can be better, has become a reference point for developing nations of the world.


While people wonder about the secret of Chinese success, history credited the poverty reduction prowess to two major pillars – Broad-based Economic Transformation, and Targeted Support for Areas and Households Disadvantaged by Geography and Lack of Opportunities.


By these, the government focused on national development policies with poverty reduction as a defining purpose, and through it, the government was able to deliver a well-targeted programs for the poor in an inclusive manner, that guaranteed balanced development between rural and urban areas – a holistic strategy of growth backed by political will.


In his presentation titled, ‘The War Against Poverty and the People Centered Accurate Poverty Alleviation, Mr. Wang Sangui of China Anti-Poverty Research Institute, Renmin University, China (RUC), stated that between 1981 and 2015, China’s poverty rate decreased from 88 per cent to less than one per cent, based on the percentage of people living on the equivalent of $1.90 or less per day.

The per-capita income was also recorded to rise from $200 in 1990 to $1,000 in 2000, and to $5,000 in 2010, moving China from a low-income country to a middle-income country.”
The Chinese modernization project was so consistent and resilient that in 2018, the number of people living below the national poverty line of ¥2,300 per year was 16.6 million, which is less than two per cent of the population and by 2020, China proudly announced eradication of absolute poverty, having successfully lifted over 800 million people out of poverty.


Since then, the country has remained committed to sustained growth and substantial increase in living standards.
The beauty of Chinese modernisation is the long term poverty alleviation strategy, driven by sustained fast economic growth, which played a key role in rural reforms, agricultural development, labour-intensive manufacturing and employment, urbanization and rural-urban migration.


A major striking lesson was the Accurately Targeted Poverty Alleviation approach initiated by President Xi Jinping during his visit to Western Hunan in November 2013. The policy stipulated that poverty alleviation should be practical and realistic, and it directly aimed at helping the poor by targeting poor households and poor people.
To implement this policy, Chinese government did not adopt or shout any slogan or set ambitious goals. Rather, it documented public opinions on innovative mechanisms that solidly promoted rural poverty alleviation and development.


In fact, this is the basic strategy in the war against poverty because through accurate identification, assistance, management and assessment of poor households and villages, government guided meticulously, the optimal allocation of various poverty alleviation resources, and with this, the country achieved poverty alleviation from village to household, and gradually built a long-term mechanism for targeted poverty alleviation.


The process began with identifying and registering the poor. Consequently, all families, whose income was lower than the poverty line and could not meet the ‘Two Assurances and Three Guarantees’ (adequate food and clothing, and access to compulsory education, basic medical services and safe housing for impoverished rural residents) were identified and registered through quantitative identification and controlled democratic appraisal to reduce omissions.


At the end of the exercise, China identified 29.48 million poor households with a total population of 89.62 million in 2013. The ability to register all the poor households and population with accurate details about each family, its available resources, income sources and reasons of poverty, was laudable and worthy of emulation.


Under the second strategy which was ‘Precision Poverty Alleviation Strategy’, the government intensified promotion of income-generation activities, including cooperative agricultural production, value chain development as well as rural tourism development that target the poor. Additionally, interest-free loans were provided for poor households. No wonder China has become a preferred destination for most people across the globe.


For African leaders, China remained a role model for youth empowerment and job creation – providing skill training, subsidized transportation cost, job market information and assisting the poor through medical and health services. Government’s provision of a comprehensive coverage and differentiated subsidies of basic medical insurance – serious illness insurance and serious illness relief without demand for deposit, speak volume of sustainable reforms.


As many developing countries of the world wallow under food insecurity, China succeeded in achieving food security because it understood the power of providing the backward integration for heavy industries as well as exploiting every single layer of the value supply chain. It doesn’t believe in weaponisation of poverty for political sentiment.


However, another striking and interesting aspect of Chinese modernization was captured vividly by President Xi Jinping in his Keynote Address at the opening ceremony of the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in 2023. He made it clear that China was endeavoring to build itself into a stronger country and rejuvenate the Chinese nation on all fronts by pursuing Chinese modernization, which was not self-serving but for all developing countries of the world.


He however declared that the modernization China was pursuing was not personal but for all developing countries through joint efforts. He believed that global modernization should be pursued to enhance peaceful development and mutually beneficial cooperation and bring prosperity to all.


He assured of China’s willingness to work with all parties to deepen Belt and Road partnerships of cooperation, usher the cooperation into a new stage of high-quality development, and make relentless efforts to achieve modernization for all countries.
Since the beginning of the reform that herald the opening up of China, the government has canvassed a world where development is even, peace inevitable and the future, where the world is a community where every player is a winner.


In all that China has achieved and is still achieving, credit must be given to its government for entrenching strong institutions. Otherwise, even noble ideas and policies would have been futile.
Through strong institutions, the government enforced policies in every sector of the economy. In agriculture and food security, it eliminated the systemic obstacles to farmers’ land ownership and consequently, rural infrastructure improved, while education and healthcare services also thrived.


The fact that poverty reduction in China accelerated over time was an indication that the strategy of taking tailor-made measures against poverty is successful and effective, and should be emulated by other developing countries burdened by poverty.


Beyond the immediate environment, China’s eradication of extreme poverty has global benefits, having contributed to the world achieving the Millennium Development Goals set for 2015. China by that, attained the first UN Sustainable Development Goal target 1.1. of eradicating extreme poverty ten years ahead of schedule, and undeniable fact remains that ever since the reform began, the pace of poverty reduction in China has been consistently faster than anywhere across the globe.

Chinese Modernization And China’s 75 Years of Poverty Reduction Achievements

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International

UK Abolishes Visa Stickers for Nigerians, Introduces Mandatory eVisas from Feb 25

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2 days ago

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February 17, 2026

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UK Abolishes Visa Stickers for Nigerians, Introduces Mandatory eVisas from Feb 25

By: Michael Mike

The United Kingdom will from 25 February 2026 stop issuing physical visa stickers to Nigerian travellers, replacing them entirely with digital eVisas in what officials describe as a major overhaul of the country’s immigration system.

Announcing the change in Abuja, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) said all new Visit visas granted to Nigerian nationals will now be issued electronically, marking a decisive step in the UK’s transition to a fully digital border regime.

Under the new system, successful applicants will no longer receive a vignette pasted into their passport. Instead, they will access proof of their immigration status online through a secure UKVI account.

The British government stressed that the application procedure itself remains unchanged. Nigerian applicants must still complete the standard online process, attend a Visa Application Centre to submit biometric data and meet all existing eligibility requirements. The only adjustment is the format in which the visa is delivered.

Authorities clarified that Nigerians currently holding valid visa stickers will not be affected by the new policy. Their visas will remain valid until expiration and do not require replacement solely because of the transition.

British Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, Gill Lever, said the move is designed to simplify travel while enhancing security.

“We are committed to making it easier for Nigerians to travel to the UK. This shift to digital visas streamlines a key part of the process, strengthens security and reduces reliance on paper documentation,” she said.

According to UKVI, the eVisa system is expected to shorten processing timelines since passports will no longer need to be retained for visa sticker endorsement. Travellers will also be able to view and manage their immigration status online at any time, from anywhere.

Officials highlighted the added security benefits of the digital format, noting that unlike physical stickers, eVisas cannot be lost, stolen or tampered with. The system is also designed to provide real-time verification of immigration status.

Once a visa is approved, applicants will be required to create a free UKVI account to access and share their eVisa details when necessary.

The policy shift signals a broader modernization of the UK’s border management framework and places Nigerian travellers among the first groups to experience the fully digital visa rollout.

For frequent travellers, students and business visitors, the reform represents a significant procedural change—one that replaces paper documentation with an online immigration record as the new standard for entry clearance into the United Kingdom.

UK Abolishes Visa Stickers for Nigerians, Introduces Mandatory eVisas from Feb 25

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Nigerian seeks repatriation after alleged forced recruitment into Russian military

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6 days ago

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February 13, 2026

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Nigerian seeks repatriation after alleged forced recruitment into Russian military

By: Zagazola Makama

A Nigerian citizen, Abubakar Adamu, has appealed to the Nigerian government for urgent repatriation after claiming he was lured to Russia under the pretext of civilian employment and coerced into military service.

Adamu’s legal representatives stated that he traveled to Moscow on a tourist visa issued by the Russian Embassy in Abuja, under the promise of employment as a civilian security guard. However, upon arrival, his travel documents were reportedly confiscated, and he was compelled to sign enlistment papers written entirely in Russian, without the assistance of an interpreter. He later discovered that the documents enrolled him into the Russian Armed Forces.

A formal notice submitted to Nigerian authorities cited several legal positions, including the doctrine of Non Est Factum, which argues that Adamu did not understand the nature of the contract he signed, and fundamental misrepresentation, alleging that he was deceived into military service. His lawyers also highlighted potential violations of international law, including forced military conscription and deprivation of personal freedom.

According to the brief, Adamu remains stranded at a Russian military camp, refusing deployment to combat zones in Ukraine. He is reportedly seeking immediate intervention from the Nigerian government to facilitate his safe return and reunite him with his family.

The allegations come amid broader reports of African nationals being conscripted into the Russian military. A CNN investigation reported that Nigerians, along with citizens from Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa and other countries, were allegedly recruited under promises of high salaries, signing bonuses, and eventual Russian citizenship.

Upon arrival, many were forced into military service, provided minimal training, and in some cases deployed to combat zones against their will. Reports further indicate racial abuse, inhumane treatment, and coercion.Reports indicate that this is part of a growing pattern in which African nationals are being lured to the frontlines to sustain Russia’s war efforts.

Ukraine’s foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, disclosed last year that more than 1,400 citizens from 36 African countries are reportedly fighting for Russia in Ukraine, with many being held in Ukrainian camps as prisoners of war. Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs has similarly reported that over 200 of its nationals may be in Ukraine, having been deceived by online recruitment networks advertising fake jobs.

The human cost of the recruitment drive remains largely unknown. It is unclear how many Nigerians have died while fighting for Russian forces, and Russia has not formally responded to reports of Nigerian casualties.

But speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Andrey Podyelyshev, denied that the recruitment was state-sponsored. “There is no government-backed programme to recruit Nigerians to fight in Ukraine.

“If illegal organisations or individuals are involved in such activities, they are acting outside the law and without any connection to the Russian state,” he said. Podyelyshev added that Russia would investigate any reported cases if provided with concrete evidence.

Zagazola warned that the case draws attention to the serious risks to Nigerian citizens traveling abroad for employment. Their is a need for stronger government oversight, diplomatic intervention, and public awareness to prevent exploitation and ensure the safety of nationals in foreign jurisdictions.

Adamu’s legal team has formally demanded that Russian authorities immediately cease his military deployment, return his confiscated travel documents, and facilitate his repatriation to Nigeria.

The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to comment on Adamu’s appeal, leaving families and civil society groups calling for immediate diplomatic action and repatriation of their citizens caught in what is described as a transnational human rights and labor exploitation crisis.

This incident calls for urgent examination about the protection of Nigerian citizens abroad, the oversight of foreign employment schemes, and the responsibilities of international partners to safeguard human rights. Without decisive government intervention, more Nigerians may fall victim to similar coercive recruitment tactics, potentially placing them in life-threatening situations far from home without any help

Nigerian seeks repatriation after alleged forced recruitment into Russian military

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Nigeria, China Mark 55 Years of Diplomatic Relations at 2026 Chinese New Year Temple Fair

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2 weeks ago

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February 8, 2026

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Nigeria, China Mark 55 Years of Diplomatic Relations at 2026 Chinese New Year Temple Fair

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria and China have reaffirmed their longstanding diplomatic and strategic partnership as both countries marked the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations during the 2026 “Happy Chinese New Year” Temple Fair in Abuja.

The celebration, held at the Chinese Cultural Centre at the weekend, brought together senior government officials, diplomats, business leaders, cultural organisations and members of the Chinese and Nigerian communities. The event also coincided with the celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year, the Year of the Horse, symbolising strength, resilience and progress.

China’s Chargé d’Affaires in Nigeria, Zhou Hongyou, said the Spring Festival had grown beyond a traditional celebration to become a global cultural event promoting peace, harmony and mutual understanding among nations. He noted that the festival’s inclusion on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list had further strengthened its global significance.

Zhou described the temple fair as a practical expression of China’s commitment to cultural dialogue and people-to-people engagement, adding that cultural exchanges remain a key pillar of China–Nigeria relations. He highlighted the steady growth of bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, infrastructure, education, science, tourism and cultural exchange.

Reflecting on the history of bilateral ties, Zhou recalled that Nigeria and China established diplomatic relations in 1971 and have since developed a partnership founded on mutual respect, equality and shared development. He noted that the relationship was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024, opening a new chapter of deeper cooperation between both countries.

Also speaking, the Director-General and Global Liaison of the Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Joseph Tegbe, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the One-China Principle, describing it as central to the strong and enduring relationship between the two nations.

Tegbe said Nigeria’s partnership with China has delivered tangible benefits, particularly in infrastructure development, industrial growth and human capacity building. He acknowledged China’s contributions to key projects such as rail infrastructure and port development, which he said continue to support Nigeria’s economic transformation.

He disclosed that Nigeria is advancing new cooperative initiatives in agriculture, steel production and education, including a large-scale poultry programme designed to boost food security, create jobs and support local farmers. He also expressed optimism about renewed efforts to revitalise the Ajaokuta Steel Complex in collaboration with Chinese partners.

According to Tegbe, both countries are committed to strengthening educational and knowledge exchanges through scholarships, joint research and the development of industrial parks that will promote technology transfer and skills development.

The speakers noted that 2026 has been designated the China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, providing an opportunity to deepen cultural understanding and expand cooperation beyond government-to-government engagement.

The event featured martial arts displays by the Chinese Wushu Association, cultural performances by Nigerian and Chinese artistes, exhibitions on Chinese culture and tourism, and interactive activities aimed at promoting friendship between the two peoples.

Nigeria, China Mark 55 Years of Diplomatic Relations at 2026 Chinese New Year Temple Fair

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