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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
FG hails Gombe’s public service reform
The Federal Government has lauded the Gombe state government for its comprehensive public service reforms to enhance quality service delivery to the people.
Dr Dasuki Arabi, Director-General, Bureau of Public Service Reform (BPSR), said this in Gombe on Thursday during a courtesy visit to the Gombe State BPSR Headquarters.
Arabi praised Gov. Inuwa Yahaya for establishing the BPSR in the state, and driving digitalisation, efficiency and worker welfare since 2019.
He said the state was already reaping gains of embracing reforms in public service which impacted governance, making Gombe a model to other states.
The DG said that part of the reforms that Gombe initiated using technology resulted in the introduction of biometric attendance in civil service which addressed absenteeism.
He highlighted that the biometric improved efficiency and effectiveness in public service delivery as well as tackle ghost workers.
According to Arabi, the reforms including digitalisation of system and operation is part of the reason for the improvement in revenue collection in the state from N6 billion in 2019 to N40 billion in 2024.
He said that with the digitalisation of government operations, forgery and other sharp practices had been tackled and revenue collection improved.
Arabi said that the progress made by Gombe State through the reforms resulted in the state being ranked 8th at the BPSR 2025 edition of the Transparency and Integrity Index (TII).
He described the index as a vital tool for strengthening accountability, openness and ethical standards across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
The BPSR helmsman said the state government’s effort at building stronger institutions for a more accountable and prosperous state and a culture of openness and responsibility that inspires public trust, has become a model to others.
Arabi, however, urged the state to sustain the feat and work towards full digitalisation of payroll management as well as record systems yet to be digitalised.
“I also call on the state to carryout a deep staff audit and do a skills gaps analysis to indicate where we need to improve and who we need to manage certain areas,” he said.
Mr Abubakar Hassan, Director-General, Gombe State BPSR, said the reforms were made possible as a result of the political will of the governor.
Hassan highlighted how the reforms helped improved the transparency rating of the state, stressing that many development partners were in the state because of the open governance style of the Yahaya-led administration.
According to Hassan, the government is working hard to replicate all reforms by the federal government at the state level to deliver better services to the people.
“Today, Gombe is a model because of our bold reforms initiated by Govenor Yahaya which has helped us in revenue collection, land administration, civil service digitalisation, budget process, elimination of ghost workers syndrome amongst others,” he said.
Hassan pledged to continue to initiate and implement reforms to build strong institutions, entrench the culture of open governance and inspire public trust.
FG hails Gombe’s public service reform
Security operatives recover 2,500 litres of hazardous chemicals in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
The police in Zamfara have recovered 2,500 litres of suspected hazardous and poisonous chemicals during a patrol operation in Gusau Local Government Area of the state.
A statement issued on Thursday in Gusau said the recovery was made on Jan. 28 at about 4:40 p.m. by operatives attached to the Anti-Illegal Mining Unit while on routine patrol at the Lalan area.
The chemicals were recovered in 100 jerricans, each containing 25 litres, and were believed to pose serious risks to public health and the environment.
Authorities said investigation had commenced to determine the source, ownership and intended use of the chemicals, with a view to identifying and prosecuting those responsible.
They urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movements or materials to security agencies to prevent threats to lives and property.
The statement added that efforts were being intensified to curb the circulation of dangerous substances and other activities capable of endangering public safety in the state.
Security operatives recover 2,500 litres of hazardous chemicals in Zamfara
Mob kills, sets man ablaze over alleged theft in Mubi North
By: Zagazola Makama
An unidentified man was brutally killed and set ablaze by an angry mob in Mubi North Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
The incident occurred on Jan. 28 at about 9:00 p.m. at Blue House, following allegations that the victim had stolen a motorcycle.
“The man was reportedly brutally killed and set ablaze by an angry mob,” the source said.
The Adamawa State Police Command said it was investigating the incident noting that the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has been detailed to conduct a discreet investigation into the incident.
The police assured residents that further updates would be communicated as the investigation progresses and appealed to the public to avoid taking the law into their own hands.
Mob kills, sets man ablaze over alleged theft in Mubi North
FG hails Gombe’s public service reform
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