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Partners in Progress: Nigeria-China @54
Partners in Progress: Nigeria-China @54
By Raphael Oni
As Nigeria and China celebrate 54 years of diplomatic relations, established on February 10, 1971, it’s essential to reflect on the journey so far and the promising future that lies ahead. This milestone is particularly significant, given the recent visit of President Bola Tinubu to China in September 2024, where he met with President Xi Jinping, upgrading relations to comprehensive strategic cooperation.
The Nigeria-China relationship has been a beacon of cooperation and mutual growth, with both nations benefiting from each other’s strengths. Over the years, China has emerged as one of Nigeria’s most significant trading partners, with bilateral trade reaching $22.6 billion in 2023. This robust economic engagement has created over 100,000 jobs in Nigeria, courtesy of Chinese investments.
Key Pillars of Nigeria-China Relations
One of the key pillars of Nigeria-China relations is the “One-China” policy, which Nigeria has consistently adhered to. This policy recognizes the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China, including Taiwan. As a result, Nigeria does not recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state, and this stance has been reinforced through various diplomatic efforts.
In January 2017, Nigeria took a significant step in correcting a diplomatic blunder by ordering Taiwan to relocate her Trade Mission from Abuja to Lagos. This move was seen as a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s commitment to the “One-China” policy and its desire to strengthen ties with Beijing.
Chinese Investments in Nigeria
Nigeria’s adherence to the “One-China” policy has been reciprocated by China through various forms of economic and infrastructure support. China has become one of Nigeria’s largest trading partners, with bilateral trade reaching $19.27 billion in 2019. Chinese investments in Nigeria have focused on critical sectors such as:
- Infrastructure Development: China has invested in several infrastructure projects, including the Abuja-Kaduna Railway, Lekki Free Trade Zone, and Zungeru Hydro Power Dam.
- Energy: China has supported Nigeria’s energy sector through investments in renewable energy initiatives.
- Agriculture: China has provided training programs for Nigerian farmers, focusing on modern agricultural techniques and best practices.
- Manufacturing: China has invested in Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, creating new opportunities for economic growth and job creation.
Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership
As a result of President Tinubu’s visit to China in September 2024, Nigeria established the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, with Joseph Tegbe as its Director-General. This partnership aims to deepen economic cooperation, promote cultural exchange, and enhance strategic collaboration between the two nations.
The partnership will focus on several key areas, including:
- Agriculture: Nigeria and China will collaborate on modernizing agricultural practices, increasing productivity, and enhancing food security.
- Alternative Energy: The partnership will focus on developing Nigeria’s renewable energy sector, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and promoting sustainable development.
- Solid Minerals Development: China will support Nigeria’s efforts to develop its solid minerals sector, creating new opportunities for economic growth and job creation.
- Healthcare: The partnership will strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system through knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and the deployment of Chinese medical experts.
- Education: Nigeria and China will collaborate on vocational training, STEM education, and academic exchanges, equipping Nigerian youth with modern workforce skills.
Capacity Building Initiatives
China has also been actively involved in various capacity-building projects in Nigeria, aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of Nigerian professionals in key sectors. Some examples of these projects include:
- Agricultural Training Programs: China has provided training programs for Nigerian farmers, focusing on modern agricultural techniques and best practices.
- Infrastructure Development Training: China has offered training programs for Nigerian engineers and technicians, focusing on infrastructure development and management.
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Training: China has provided training programs for Nigerian ICT professionals, focusing on the latest technologies and trends in the sector.
- Healthcare Training Programs: China has offered training programs for Nigerian healthcare professionals, focusing on modern medical techniques and best practices.
Conclusion
As Nigeria and China celebrate 54 years of diplomatic relations, it’s clear that their partnership has entered a new era of strategic cooperation. With a shared commitment to mutual growth, cooperation, and development, both nations are poised to achieve great things together.
The future looks bright for Nigeria-China relations, driven by mutual respect, trust, and cooperation. With Joseph Tegbe, who has a proven track record of successfully navigating complex international partnerships, at the helm of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, I am confident that the partnership will continue to yield significant benefits for both nations.
Partners in Progress: Nigeria-China @54
News
Heavy Gunfire, Explosions Reported Near Niamey Airport as Security Forces Deploy Across Capital
Heavy Gunfire, Explosions Reported Near Niamey Airport as Security Forces Deploy Across Capital
By: Zagazola Makama
Heavy gunfire and explosions were reported around Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, Niger’s capital, on Thursday, triggering a major security response and heightened tension across the city.
Multiple security sources said the incident began in the early hours of the day, with sustained gunfire reportedly lasting for more than two hours.
The exact nature of the incident remained unclear as of press time, with authorities yet to issue an official statement on whether it was a terrorist attack, an armed assault on security installations or an attempted counter-coup operation.
Residents in several parts of the capital were advised to remain indoors while security forces moved to contain the situation.
Sources said a security cordon was established around key locations in the city, extending to the Hospital Roundabout, while heavily armed personnel and military equipment were deployed at multiple checkpoints on roads leading to the Presidential Palace.
Witnesses reported an increased presence of security forces across strategic areas of the capital as authorities sought to restore calm and prevent any escalation.
Diori Hamani International Airport, which hosts Air Base 101, is regarded as one of Niger’s most strategic security installations and is located about 10 kilometres from the Presidential Palace.
The facility was previously targeted during an attack attributed to suspected Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP) and ISWAP fighters on Jan. 28 and 29, 2026.
However, there was no immediate indication that Thursday’s incident was linked to the earlier attack, and no group had claimed responsibility as of the time of filing this report.
Sources said the situation was gradually stabilising, although security operations remained ongoing across the city.
Authorities are expected to provide further details as investigations continue.
Heavy Gunfire, Explosions Reported Near Niamey Airport as Security Forces Deploy Across Capital
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Troops, TANTITA Operatives Recover 24,000 Litres of Illegally Refined AGO in Rivers Creek
Troops, TANTITA Operatives Recover 24,000 Litres of Illegally Refined AGO in Rivers Creek
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3, Operation DELTA SAFE (OPDS), in collaboration with TANTITA Security Services, have recovered a wooden boat laden with illegally refined petroleum products at Abalama Creek in Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The operation, which took place at about 19:20 hours on 15 June 2026, followed credible intelligence on the movement of suspected stolen crude products through the creek.
However, no arrest was made as the suspects abandoned the vessel and fled the scene upon sighting the approaching operatives.
The troops recovered one wooden boat loaded with Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), estimated at about 24,000 litres.
The recovered product and vessel were subsequently moved to the TANTITA Security Services base at Ilamatoru for further investigation and necessary action.
Security sources confirmed that follow-up operations are ongoing within the general area to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects and dismantle associated illegal refining networks.
Troops, TANTITA Operatives Recover 24,000 Litres of Illegally Refined AGO in Rivers Creek
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Herdsmen Agree to Pay ₦1 Million Compensation After Farmland Destruction in Plateau State
Herdsmen Agree to Pay ₦1 Million Compensation After Farmland Destruction in Plateau State
By: Zagazola Makama
A dispute over farmland destruction in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State has been resolved following the intervention of security operatives and community stakeholders, with herders agreeing to pay ₦1 million compensation to affected farmers.
Security sources said troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), Sector 6, responded on June 16 at about 12:00 p.m. to reports of destruction of farmlands belonging to Mr. Nyip Yakubu Badung and 10 other farmers in Sopp Village.
Upon arrival at the scene, troops reportedly discovered that herds of cattle had strayed into the farms, causing extensive damage to crops belonging to the affected residents.
Following the development, security personnel facilitated a peace meeting between representatives of the farmers and herder leaders in the area to prevent escalation of tensions.
At the end of the engagement, both parties agreed on a compensation sum of ₦1 million to be paid to the affected farmers through the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) Chairman in Riyom Local Government Area.
Security sources said the agreement was reached to prevent possible reprisals and maintain peace in the community.
Authorities noted that the situation in the area has been brought under control, while dialogue between both parties is ongoing to sustain peaceful coexistence.
Herdsmen Agree to Pay ₦1 Million Compensation After Farmland Destruction in Plateau State
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