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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
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Vigilante office attacked, vehicles set ablaze by suspected IPOB/ESN militants in Aguata, Anambra
Vigilante office attacked, vehicles set ablaze by suspected IPOB/ESN militants in Aguata, Anambra
By Zagazola Makama
Armed hoodlums suspected to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militia arm, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), attacked a vigilante office in Amesi, Aguata LGA, Anambra State, in the early hours of April 25, 2025.
The attack, which occurred at about 0220hrs, targeted the office of the sector commander of the Agunechenba Vigilantes.
According to the commander, the hoodlums set fire to four patrol vehicles and two motorcycles belonging to the vigilantes before fleeing the scene.
Upon receiving the report, a Joint Task Force (JTF) mobilized to the area, but by the time they arrived, the assailants had already escaped.
A comprehensive search of the surrounding bushes is underway, with police-led JTF units working to apprehend the suspects.
Vigilante office attacked, vehicles set ablaze by suspected IPOB/ESN militants in Aguata, Anambra
FCT Police investigate assault case involving Seyi Tinubu’s sister
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Police Force(NPF) FCT Police Command is investigating an alleged assault involving Oscar Ilochi, a male resident of Apo Legislative Quarters, accused of molesting Ebunoluwa, the sister of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, at the Evolve 360 Gym Complex in Apo, Abuja.
A Police Sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect approached the victim while she was exercising alone in the gym’s basement, touching her inappropriately, attempting to force himself on her, and causing further distress.
The sources said that the gym’s CCTV footage has been requested as part of the investigation.
The sources said that the suspect has been banned from the gym due to two prior similar incidents.
The victim, who is reportedly traumatized, has sought medical attention.
The police sources said that investigation is ongoing, and further developments will be communicated as they unfold.
FCT Police investigate assault case involving Seyi Tinubu’s sister
Troops Foil Fresh Violence as Armed Youths Attack Fulani Settlement in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) on Saturday averted what could have been another violent episode in Plateau State after suspected armed Berom youths attacked a Fulani settlement in Tanjol Village, Riyom Local Government Area.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack, which occurred at about 1:00 p.m., targeted cattle belonging to Fulani herders. Three cows were shot one killed and two severely injured in an apparent act of provocation in the tense community.
In response, Fulani youths from Mahanga mobilised for a reprisal but were intercepted by troops before further violence could erupt.
During the confrontation, two Fulani youths sustained gunshot injuries, but no deaths were recorded. Troops from Sector 6 OPSH, backed by reinforcements from Sector 4 and Forward Operating Base (FOB) Gashish, swiftly intervened and dispersed the militias, who fled into nearby bushes.
Security forces, alongside police personnel, have since dominated the area with patrols to forestall escalation. Military sources also confirmed that clearance operations are ongoing in Mahanga, where the Fulani youths had mobilised.
The incident is the latest in a worrying pattern of targeted attacks in Plateau State, following recent unrest in parts of the state. Observers warn that such reprisals are taking on a more systematic and dangerous dimension.
There is growing concern that political leaders in the country, particularly from the Plateau State Government, have failed to adequately respond to the ongoing violence. Instead, their rhetoric is being blamed for inflaming tensions rather than promoting peace.
Zagazola Makama is calling for urgent action to de-escalate the crisis, including impartial enforcement of security measures and justice for all affected communities.
The security situation in Plateau remains fragile, with fears of renewed clashes if proactive steps are not taken to address the underlying issues of ethnic mistrust, and political incitement.
Troops Foil Fresh Violence as Armed Youths Attack Fulani Settlement in Plateau
Vigilante office attacked, vehicles set ablaze by suspected IPOB/ESN militants in Aguata, Anambra
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