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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
Troops Neutralise Two Terrorists in Night Ambush Operation in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have neutralised two suspected terrorists during a night ambush operation in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the operation, conducted under Operation Desert Sanity/Siege Operations, took place at about 11:05 p.m. on May 13, 2026, at Bazamri village, a location identified as a major crossing point for members of the ISWAP.
According to the sources, troops laying ambush at the location intercepted and engaged the terrorists in a firefight, resulting in the neutralisation of two insurgents.
Following the encounter, troops carried out exploitation of the area and recovered several items suspected to be logistics supplies for the terrorists.
Recovered items included 54 packs of 80-gram detergent, 32 packs of 500-gram salt and one carton of spaghetti.
Military authorities confirmed that no casualty was recorded among the troops during the operation.
The ambush team was said to have subsequently changed position and continued surveillance and waiting operations in the area as part of sustained offensive actions against terrorist movements.
Security sources added that troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remained satisfactory, while offensive operations across the theatre continued.
Troops Neutralise Two Terrorists in Night Ambush Operation in Borno
NHRC, stakeholders meet to promote human rights in Gombe
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Gombe State Office, on Tuesday, organised a state consultative meeting on the National Action Plan (NAP) for the promotion and protection of human rights in the state.
The meeting which was held in Gombe brought together stakeholders from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), security agencies, community representatives, youth groups and other relevant stakeholders.
The engagement was to deliberate on the implementation of the NAP and to identify prevailing human rights concerns affecting citizens within Gombe State.
In his opening remarks, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said that the engagement served as a platform for interaction, exchange of ideas and collective commitment towards strengthening human rights protection mechanisms in Gombe State and Nigeria at large.
Represented by the State Coordinator, NHRC, Gombe State office Dr Joseph Wanshe, Ojukwu emphasised the importance of the NAP as a strategic framework designed to improve the human rights situation in the state and Nigeria through collaboration among government institutions, civil society organisations and citizens.
Wanshe, while presenting an overview of the NAP, explained that the NAP is a comprehensive policy framework aimed at ensuring the promotion, protection and fulfilment of human rights in accordance with constitutional provisions and international human rights obligations ratified by Nigeria.
Mr Lemuel Akeweta while making his presentation said that the objectives of the meeting amongst others was to create awareness on the NAP for the promotion and protection of human rights in Nigeria.
Others he said was to encourage stakeholders’ participation in the implementation of the NAP; identifying prevailing human rights challenges within the state and strengthening collaboration among MDAs, CSOs and other stakeholders.
He also said that practical recommendations and way forward for effective implementation of the NAP at state and grassroots levels would be developed.
Our Correspondent reports that a total of 45 attendees cutting across 28 MDAs and 17 CSOs and a team of five NHRC staff were also present at the meeting.
NHRC, stakeholders meet to promote human rights in Gombe
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Terrorist Collaborators in Taraba State Raid
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested three suspected terrorist collaborators during a coordinated raid on identified enclaves in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Security sources said that the operation was carried out at about 0610 hours on May 10, 2026, by troops of Sector 3 OPWS deployed at Jimilari.
The sources said the troops conducted simultaneous raids on suspected terrorist hideouts at Binari, Chibi and Andamin communities following credible intelligence on the activities of criminal networks in the area.
According to the sources, three suspects believed to be providing support to terrorist elements were arrested during the operation.
Military authorities said the suspects are currently in custody and undergoing preliminary interrogation to determine the extent of their involvement and possible links to wider criminal networks.
They added that troops will sustain clearance operations and intelligence-led raids across vulnerable communities in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area to dismantle support structures for criminal elements and restore security in the area.
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Terrorist Collaborators in Taraba State Raid
Troops Neutralise Two Terrorists in Night Ambush Operation in Borno
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Cattle Rustlers in Borno
Troops Intercept Vehicle Conveying Illegal Diesel in Bayelsa
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