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Nigeria Target Becoming No.1 Net Exporter to China in the Next Five Years
Nigeria Target Becoming No.1 Net Exporter to China in the Next Five Years
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria has said its target is to become net exporter to China in the next five years, overtaking Brazil which currently stands atop the list with the net export of $104.32 billion.
The country’s ambition was revealed by the Director General, China-Nigeria Partnership, Joseph Tegbe on Thursday at the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Abuja,
Tegbe recalled that Nigeria presently has an export $22.6 billion, however said that the narative is about to change with the latest upgrade of China-Nigeria relations into partnership.
Brazil export to China, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade in 2023.
Tegbe. who spoke at the opening of the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Abuja, said: “One of our primary goals is to increase trade volume between Nigeria and China. As of December 2003, trade volume between Nigeria and China was over $22 billion
“But on the other hand, when you look at Brazil and China’s relationship, today, Brazil ranks as China’s ninth largest trading country. And during this same period, Brazil’s export to China in 2023 was $105 billion. While China’s export to Brazil was just $59 billion. Thus making Brazil a net exporter to China.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, this is our desired position as a nation. For us, the next five years, to push our trade volume between China and Nigeria higher than what it used today and for Nigeria to become a net exporter to China.
“It is also worth noting that industrializing Nigeria means industrializing 25% of Africa. An economically sound and stable Nigeria signifies a prosperous continent of Africa”
He also disclosed that no fewer than 1200 Nigerians are trained yearly by the Chinese firm, Huawei, as a pointer of the new things to come.
Currently, he also said 30 Nigerian officials, drawn from diffferent sectors of the economy are undergoing training.
He said: “The Nigerian-China Strategic Partnership is already making results. As of today, one of China’s companies, Huawei, trains an average of 1,200 Nigerians every year in Nigeria.
“As we speak, 30 Nigerian officials, drawn from various ministries, departments and agencies, are in China, undergoing an intensive training on the governance of China and the strengthening of economic development between China and Nigeria.”
Tegbe stressed the place of Nigeria in the continent, saying: “It is also worth noting that industrializing Nigeria means industrializing 25% of Africa. An economically sound and stable Nigeria signifies a prosperous culture of Africa. “
Speaking on the Expo, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai said: “This exhibition is an important event organized to implement the outcomes of the Beijing Summit Forum and the consensus reached between our two heads of state. I am pleased to see that this exhibition brings together many outstanding entrepreneurs and innovators in a wide range of fields, including engineering, contracting, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, energy conservation, environmental protection, and green energy.
“Through the exhibition and exchanges, we believe it can play an important role in further promoting the process of industrialization and agricultural modernization in Nigeria, and facilitate in-depth cooperation between our two countries in all fields.”
On his part, the Chairman, China International Contractors Association,Mr Fang Qiuchen, revealed that Chinese firms are mobilising funds to invest in Nigeria as a fallout of the recent FOCAC summit.
He said: “We want to be together to work on the infrastructure, on the projects, especially on the new energy projects, as well as the digital smart cities, many renovation projects.
“So we are here, we’ll bring the capital, we’ll bring our technology, we’ll also bring the very genuine, honest, we want to collaborate with the Nigerian partners for a very pragmatic cooperation to do some of the works here so that we can grow together to benefit the economic and social development of Nigeria”.
On the funding of infrastructure, Fang said: “So China is also working with a consortium of all the banks together, African banks and China Development Bank. We want to work together to financing more of the projects here in Nigeria, so that they can benefit the economic development.”
Though, he failed to disclosed the amount they are bringing in, he noted that: “The investment we can see is huge, I should say, because the projects are not small, because it’s infrastructure.”
He also added: “As the new round of scientific and technological revolution and digital transformation is on the way, green development and the digital economy have emerged as new engines driving economic growth, presenting vast opportunities for cooperation in green and sustainable infrastructure. Both China and Nigeria are actively exploring the use of advanced technologies, such as big data, cloud computing, and Al, to enhance the intelligence and automation of infrastructure. The integration of digital technology with new infrastructure, the blue economy, and agricultural modernization has emerged as a focal point for cooperation. Furthermore, renewable energy projects, including solar and wind, are gaining increased attention worldwide, further advancing the development and utilization of the clean energy.
“These emerging characteristics and trends not only facilitate the transformation and upgrading of infrastructure cooperation between China and Nigeria, but also inject new impetus for mutual benefit and shared development.”
He also revealed that the Expo is a fallout of the recent Beijing Summit, which aimed to “effectively accelerate the infrastructure cooperation between China and Africa.”
He revealed that: “We planned to hold the China Engineering and Technology Expo and the China-Nigeria Infrastructure Cooperation Forum here in Abuja this year, at the same time, to further strengthen the mutual understanding and trust between the engineering companies of the two sides while exploring new areas and potential opportunities for further cooperation.
“We believe that through the elevation of the bilateral relationship to the comprehensive strategic partnership, and through our joint efforts, the bilateral infrastructure cooperation will for sure yield more fruitful results in the days to come.”
Nigeria Target Becoming No.1 Net Exporter to China in the Next Five Years
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist infiltration into Kanama town, neutralising four insurgents during a swift response operation in Borno State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on April 22 when troops of 159 Battalion, deployed in Kanama, responded to sounds of gunfire within the town.
On arrival, the troops reportedly discovered that terrorists had infiltrated parts of the community.
The troops immediately made contact and engaged the attackers with disciplined fire, forcing them to retreat in disarray.
Subsequent exploitation of the general area led to the neutralisation of four terrorists.
One member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained injuries during the encounter and has been evacuated for medical attention.
No military equipment was lost during the operation.
Items recovered from the terrorists include two torchlight mobile phones and the sum of ₦21,000.
Security sources said the general situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high.
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
News
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
The high-profile terrorism trial in Charge No. FHC/ASB/18C/2024 took a dramatic and gripping turn this week at the Federal High Court, Asaba, as explosive evidence and powerful witness testimonies continue to unfold against Mike Nwaukoni (aka “Supu”) and his alleged accomplices.
Standing trial alongside him are prominent figures including Barrister Francis Okolie, Secretary of the Ogwashi-Uku Development Association (ODA), and Mazi Elue Adigwe, the association’s Secretary-General, among others accused in connection with the violent October 12, 2023 attack on the Palace of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku.
🔴 Doctor’s Testimony Leaves Court in Silence
In what court observers have described as one of the most chilling moments of the trial so far, Dr. Ezeike Ugochukwu Godwin took the witness stand and delivered a clinical yet deeply emotional account of the injuries sustained by a vigilante operative assigned to protect the Palace.
The doctor confirmed that the victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to the head and upper limbs, describing in precise medical terms the severity of the trauma.
According to his testimony, the victim was brought into the emergency unit in a state of intense pain and critical distress, alongside several others wounded during the attack.
Dr. Ezeike further told the court that the patient was referred from the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ogwashi-Uku, reinforcing the official chain of response following the violent incident.
🔴 Police Investigator Details Chaos and Destruction
A day earlier, on April 21, 2026, the court heard from Inspector Ijeoma Ovat, the initial Investigating Police Officer (IPO), who painted a harrowing picture of the aftermath of the attack.
She testified about the widespread chaos, multiple casualties, and destruction that followed the invasion of the Palace during the controversial Ineh Festival. Crucially, she tendered photographic evidence showing heavily damaged police and vigilante vehicles, corroborating claims of a coordinated and violent assault.
Sources within the prosecution confirm that the damage to the vehicles was extensive and consistent with armed aggression.
🔴 Witnesses Tie Defendants to Armed
AssaultEarlier testimonies in the trial have reportedly identified the defendants as active participants, alleging they were armed with guns and other dangerous weapons during the attack. Witnesses have also pointed to Mike Nwaukoni as a central figure who allegedly instigated and coordinated the operation.
🔴 Passport Request Sparks Legal Firestorm
In a fresh development that has further intensified proceedings, lead prosecutors in the case including CSP Samuel Mallum Esq and A.I Aminu Esq from the Police Legal Directorate in Abuja have strongly opposed an application by Nwaukoni’s legal team seeking the temporary release of his international passport for overseas travel.
According to sources, the prosecution argued that granting such a request poses a serious flight risk, warning that the defendant could attempt to evade justice, seek asylum, or acquire foreign citizenship.
The prosecution also suggested that the move may be a deliberate tactic to delay the trial, particularly as significant portions of the case have already been established.
The matter has been adjourned for further consideration, with hearings expected to resume in late May, continuing into early June 2026.
🔴 Calm Returns to Ogwashi-Uku Amid Trial
Meanwhile, community sources in Ogwashi-Uku report a notable return of peace and stability since the commencement of the trial. Residents have expressed hope that the judicial process will be seen through to a swift and just conclusion, bringing lasting closure to one of the most serious security incidents in the Kingdom’s recent history.
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics supplier and intercepted a large quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in a tricycle in Borno State.
Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 9:10 a.m. on April 21 by troops of 159 Battalion at a checkpoint within Sector 2 Area of Responsibility.
The suspect was reportedly conveying PMS concealed in 15 sacks, disguised with bags of sachet water in an attempt to evade detection.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the consignment was being transported to Kanama town and neighbouring communities around Dikwa and Bultuwa, areas believed to be within terrorist influence.
Items recovered from the suspect include a mobile phone and the sum of ₦34,950.
The sources said the suspect and recovered exhibits are in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
They added that the interception forms part of ongoing operations aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics networks and denying them access to critical supplies across the North-East theatre.
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
Troops Clear Terrorist Enclaves, Recover Items in Katsina Operation
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
Troops Respond to Attack in Zamfara, IED Incident Recorded Without Casualties
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