Connect with us

National News

TODAY’S SUPREME COURT VERDICT SAYS IT IS TIME TO FIND SUPPORT AND COLLABORATION FOR TINUBU’S PROMISE OF RENEWED HOPE

Published

2 years ago

on

TODAY’S SUPREME COURT VERDICT SAYS IT IS TIME TO FIND SUPPORT AND COLLABORATION FOR TINUBU’S PROMISE OF RENEWED HOPE

By Moses Okezie-Okafor

The victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Supreme Court of Nigeria earlier today (Thursday, 26th October, 2023) calls for congratulations to Mr. President. Although today’s outcome was entirely expected, given my more than 23 years of experience as a lawyer and my direct involvement in the Renewed Hope Campaign, it is still highly gratifying. One thing is sure, this judgment is a significant milestone for both our president and our nation, Nigeria. By confirming his election as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and putting an end to all judicial challenges by his opponents, the apex court of the land has removed all lawful impediments for the President to continue with the task of governing Africa’s largest economy and most complex polity.

While I enjoin all persons of goodwill to extend sincere felicitations to Mr. President, even if only in the spirit of good sportsmanship, I am also quick to remind our president that every constituency in Nigeria, down to the smallest polling unit, is now eagerly anticipating accelerated and proportionate development of the country under his leadership. This expectation is neither unreasonable nor surprising, after all President Tinubu made promises of renewed hope and a future assured to Nigerians when he applied for the job. He committed, through his Renewed Hope Manifesto (a document that I personally consider one of the most comprehensive governance templates by any presidential candidate ever) to do his utmost in the best interests of Nigeria. It is safe to assert that the entire world, not just Nigerians, holds him accountable for these promises.

I will now provide a summary of some of the President’s most outstanding promises to Nigerians, for the records and to emphasize the importance of keeping these promises. I will also be calling on all Nigerians before the end of this article to put aside partisan divisions and give him a genuine opportunity to keep his word.

The president pledged to build a Nigeria where ample employment opportunities with respectable remuneration would enhance the quality of life, especially for the youth. He undertook that the country would manufacture, create, and invent more of the goods and services we require. This implies that his administration will facilitate the necessary conditions to achieve this goal, with the aim of making Nigeria known as a nation of creators, not just consumers. The Renewed Hope Manifesto also commits to enhancing exports and reducing imports, which would fortify both the Naira and our way of life. These two promises, in particular, ring with an urgency that cannot be overemphasized, especially now that his removal of fuel subsidy and harmonizing of the exchange rate has seen the Naira facing significant forex headwinds with little to no support from domestic production, which, admittedly, the President inherited at a very low ebb.

The Renewed Hope Manifesto consists of interconnected commitments, one linked to another. To fulfill the aforementioned promises, the President must also uphold others alongside them. His commitment to transforming Nigerian agriculture into a potent force is a quick-win objective that became long overdue the moment it was made due to carryover expectations from previous administrations. Nigerians are now counting on him to provide the necessary political will to support our ‘ever-toiling farmers’, as he affectionately refers to them, with the practical policies and enlightenment as well as the agricultural tools and inputs to finally succeed. This support is required to boost productivity, secure decent incomes, sustain their families, and feed the nation. The President is well aware that if we can provide the promised assistance to the 70% of our people engaged in subsistence agriculture, they will lift themselves and their families out of poverty, ideally within the four years it takes to complete a first term as president of Nigeria.

The President’s electoral promises also encompass his intention to modernize and expand public infrastructure and utilities so that the rest of the Nigerian economy can piggyback on it for optimal and accelerated growth. This commitment underscores his understanding that inadequate infrastructure and nonexistent utilities lie at the heart of poor domestic production, a key contributor to the country’s balance of trade challenges. Now that the Supreme Court has relieved him of the uncertainty of judicial outcomes concerning his continued stay in office, no doubt Mr. President and his ministers in the relevant sectors are ready to commence the construction of the promised infrastructure and utilities.

The time has also come to uphold another significant promise, namely, the much-anticipated commitment to empower and support our young entrepreneurs of all genders who have embarked on the challenging path of entrepreneurship and are ensnared in a demanding operational environment. Nigeria’s youthful entrepreneurs can be likened to small vessels carrying precious cargo stranded in a fierce storm on a rocky shoreline in pitch-dark night. Mr. President must now devise methods and strategies to deploy his administration like a tugboat and send it into those storm-tossed seas to rescue these struggling vessels and guide them to a safe harbor of his design and defense. This is the only way that emerging sectors led by these young entrepreneurs, such as the digital economy, entertainment, culture, tourism, and others, will have the opportunity to thrive and help us construct the Nigeria of tomorrow, today.

An implication of such targeted investments in these sectors by the administration is that the President’s other commitment to train and offer economic opportunities to the poorest and most vulnerable among us will also be fulfilled. With some time and sustained support, earnest efforts in agriculture and these emerging sectors have the potential to equip sufficient Nigerians with the self-help abilities to lift the 133 million people believed to be in multidimensional poverty out of the wretched state that has confined them. Mr. President has expressed the aspiration of creating a Nigeria where no parent is compelled to send a child to bed hungry, anxious about what the future holds. I emphasize: uphold these promises, sir, and witness these concerns essentially address themselves.

In addition to the promises outlined in the Renewed Hope Manifesto, President Tinubu’s administration has recently articulated eight priority areas through which it intends to realize the electoral commitments of its principal. Mr. President himself enumerated these areas in his speech during the opening ceremony of the 29th NESG Summit this week as food security, poverty eradication, economic growth, job creation, access to capital, inclusion, rule of law and fighting corruption. To my mind, this 8-point agenda presses all the right buttons and it is commendable that Mr. President’s focus remains on these key areas, meaning that he is taking tangible steps to translate words into actions.

As I have advocated on numerous occasions, I firmly believe that this Administration is well-positioned to be a Super Administration, and I am using ‘super’ as an acronym to represent Security, Unity, Prosperity, Equity, and Reconciliation (S.U.P.E.R). Nigerians demand actions and I believe we can get so much mileage out of a few action areas, hence the acronym. Each of these words represents a substantial source of concern for Nigerians, and the President must urgently transform each of them into a tangible reality, accessible in every part of the country, if he aims to alleviate the suffering of his people and deliver the dividends of democracy.

Security is number one and remains paramount. The President must ensure the security of lives and property in the country. He must adequately equip and motivate the security agencies to execute their duties effectively. Marching in double quick time, the President must address the menace of banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism that has become both endemic and devastating in every part of the country, but particularly the South East and North East.

Unity comes a close second and is no less a critical objective for a diverse nation like Nigeria. Our diversity of ethnic groups and religions is undoubtedly one of our greatest assets, but it is a most challenging one. The President’s Muslim-Muslim ticket with Vice President Kashim Shettima raised concerns for many non-Muslims, and the President must work to build trust. Nigeria needs a ‘civil or civic religion’, also known as the shared values of a nation as expressed through public rituals and symbols. They are the bond that unites a people who live under the same laws and rules and help to provide a sense of inclusion, belonging, identity, unity, structure, worth, confidence, transcendence, purpose and pride in the nation. The President must reawaken this long lost ethos for Nigeria while cementing unity and inclusivity in his administration by ensuring that every Nigerian feels a sense of belonging in the country and a shared ownership of her.

Prosperity is a pivotal goal, considering Nigeria’s economic woes despite her abundant natural resources. The President must see to it that these resources are effectively harnessed for the benefit of all Nigerians. He pledged ‘shared prosperity,’ and he must deliver on this promise. The masses must experience his benevolent influence in their livelihoods and overall standard of living. Our President must cultivate an enabling environment for businesses to thrive and create jobs for the vast population of unemployed youths.

Equity is crucial, and the President must ensure that every Nigerian is treated fairly and justly. There should be no discrimination based on ethnicity, religion, or gender. Meritocracy must be the guiding principle for appointments and promotions. The President must confront the issue of inequality head-on, particularly addressing the cries of marginalization and ensuring that every part of the country is included in the development agenda. He must also take decisive steps to combat corruption, which has hindered the country’s progress.

Reconciliation is a pressing need in a country plagued by ethnic and religious conflicts. Ethnic and religious nationalism has gone out of hand in many places and must be reined in. Political campaigns since 2015 have been particularly divisive and Nigerians have left deep wounds on themselves from vicious hatchet-jobs. It is now the President’s unenviable responsibility to craft deliberate policies and initiatives that will facilitate reconciliation and healing in the country. He must ensure that every Nigerian feels a sense of belonging, is treated with respect and dignity, and that social justice is upheld while the rule of law is enforced.

President Tinubu must fulfill his promises to Nigerians. He must provide leadership that propels the country forward. I am one of those who firmly believe that if we in the All Progressives Congress (APC) adhere to the core principles of our manifesto in our interactions with citizens, Nigerians will undeniably witness and recognize the transformational leadership and good governance for which President Tinubu is renowned. These principles form the foundation of our contract with the nation as a governing party and we have no room for foibles or failure.

While it is essential to hold the President accountable and offer constructive criticism when necessary, we must also grant him the benefit of the doubt and support his efforts to propel the country forward. The Supreme Court’s judgment today affirming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s election, not only put a burden on him to keep his electoral promises to us, but it also signifies that it is time for us to unite and support him in delivering on his promises to Nigerians.

He has pledged to renew hope in Nigeria, create jobs, promote unity, and ensure that every Nigerian is treated fairly and justly. He has also committed to prioritizing security, prosperity, equity, and reconciliation. However, President Tinubu cannot accomplish these things alone. He requires our support, trust, and cooperation. Let us therefore set aside our differences and work together to construct a better Nigeria for ourselves and future generations of Nigerians. Together, we can achieve our goals of Renewed Hope and Future Assured.

Moses Okezie-Okafor, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) writes from Abuja.

TODAY’S SUPREME COURT VERDICT SAYS IT IS TIME TO FIND SUPPORT AND COLLABORATION FOR TINUBU’S PROMISE OF RENEWED HOPE

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

National News

Commonwealth Urge Action to Make Rule of Law Deliver for Citizens

Published

2 days ago

on

February 10, 2026

By

Commonwealth Urge Action to Make Rule of Law Deliver for Citizens

By: Michael Mike

Justice ministers and attorneys general from across the Commonwealth have gathered in Fiji for a high-level meeting aimed at strengthening the rule of law and ensuring it delivers tangible benefits for citizens amid growing global uncertainty.

The Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting opened on Monday, February 9, 2026, in Nadi, bringing together more than 250 delegates from the organisation’s 56 member states. The event was formally inaugurated with a traditional Fijian welcome ceremony attended by Fiji’s Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, alongside the Prime Ministers of Tuvalu, Feleti Penitala Teo, and senior government officials from Tonga and other member countries.

Addressing the opening session, Prime Minister Rabuka warned that the rule of law is under increasing strain worldwide, cautioning that its erosion has direct and damaging consequences for ordinary people.

“When the law is weakened or unevenly applied, it is not institutions alone that suffer,” he said. “It is real people and real lives. This meeting must therefore go beyond discussion to produce practical outcomes that strengthen justice systems and public trust.”

He challenged ministers to ensure that legal frameworks remain responsive to contemporary threats, particularly the accelerating impact of climate change, urging justice systems to serve as a protective shield for both people and the environment.

Echoing these concerns, Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey said the meeting was taking place at a moment marked by political instability, economic pressures and environmental risks that have left many citizens feeling insecure.

She warned that the gradual replacement of the rule of law with the “rule of force” threatens democratic governance and social cohesion, underscoring the critical role of law ministers in reversing that trend.

“The work you do here matters profoundly,” Botchwey said. “Strengthening democratic resilience and restoring trust between institutions and the people they serve is not an easy task, but it is essential.”

She added that the Commonwealth’s new strategic plan reflects this urgency by prioritising targeted action to ensure that the rule of law is experienced not only in courtrooms, but in everyday life.

Over the three-day meeting, delegates will deliberate on a wide range of issues affecting justice delivery across the Commonwealth, including how legal systems shape democratic participation, economic opportunity and environmental protection.

Key discussions will address emerging challenges such as safeguarding maritime rights in the face of rising sea levels, improving access to justice through responsible use of technology, and adapting legal frameworks to respond to climate-related displacement and resource pressures.

The meeting is being chaired by Fiji’s Minister for Justice and Acting Attorney-General, Siromi Turaga, under the theme “Anchoring Justice in a Changing Tide: Strengthening the Rule of Law for a Resilient Future.”

The gathering is expected to conclude on February 11 with the adoption of an outcome statement outlining concrete actions that Commonwealth countries will take to reinforce the rule of law and promote inclusive justice for their citizens.

Commonwealth Urge Action to Make Rule of Law Deliver for Citizens

Continue Reading

National News

VP SHETTIMA AT NEC CONFERENCE: Inclusive Growth, Economic Progress Must Filter Down To Everyday Lives Of Nigerians

Published

2 days ago

on

February 10, 2026

By

VP SHETTIMA AT NEC CONFERENCE: Inclusive Growth, Economic Progress Must Filter Down To Everyday Lives Of Nigerians

Urges Council members to remain engine room for consensus-building, coordinated action between FG, states

Says confab demonstrates harmonious relationship President Tinubu has shared with NEC

By: Our Reporter

Following the address of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the second edition of the National Economic Council (NEC) conference, Vice President Kashim Shettima has implored governors of the 36 states of the federation, ministers and other public officials to work towards achieving the kind of inclusive growth and economic progress that trickle down to the everyday lives of Nigerians.

According to him, the prevailing wisdom among developed economies has moved beyond growth for its own sake to sustainable growth that accommodates all citizens.

The Vice President, who stated this on Monday in Abuja while delivering his keynote address during the National Economic Council (NEC) Conference, described the two-day confab as a continuation of government’s covenant with the Nigerian people.

“The inclusive growth on our radar is not an exercise in sloganeering. We have confronted the macroeconomic obstacles before us. What remains is to ensure that progress filters down to the everyday lives of our people. This is precisely why the National Economic Council remains the most suitable vehicle for delivering the promise of inclusive growth.

“Our mission is incomplete if a child born in Lafia does not have the same chance to thrive as one born in Lagos; if the farmer in Makurdi, the entrepreneur in Aba, and the student in Sokoto cannot all find dignity, opportunity, and hope within the Nigerian dream,” he declared.

Senator Shettima pointed out that while the NEC conference is a moment to take stock of the tasks ahead, the event also demonstrates the harmonious relationship President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shared with NEC through the “memorable years of inevitable and transformative reforms aimed at resetting the foundations” of the nation’s economy.

He applauded President Tinubu for improving Nigeria’s economic fortunes, noting that it would be difficult for anyone to deny the sincerity with which the President “has honoured his promise to insulate the Nigerian economy in a world increasingly shaped by geopolitical tensions and rising economic protectionism.”

On what the conference intends to achieve, VP Shettima explained that it “presents a unique opportunity to onboard new Governors” and deepen the shared understanding of NEC’s role in shaping Nigeria’s economic destiny.

Among others, he said the two-day retreat seeks to “align federal and state strategies with the National Development Plan (2021–2025) and the Nigeria Agenda 2050, especially in poverty reduction, job creation, and social protection.”

Senator Shettima outlined the objectives of the confab to include strengthening collaboration across regions through practical frameworks for inter-regional trade, investment, and infrastructure, harnessing the comparative advantages of each geopolitical zone.

He said the conference will also explore “pathways for fiscal sustainability at both federal and subnational levels, reforming tax systems and enhancing internally generated revenue without overburdening our people; and to ensure that NEC’s resolutions translate into legislative and executive action that delivers tangible outcomes at federal, state, and community levels.”

The Vice President urged participants at the conference “to be bold in thought, courageous in questioning the status quo, and resolute in crafting an implementable roadmap that speaks not just to growth, but to growth that is inclusive, sustainable, and transformative.

“History will not judge us by what we discuss, but by the clarity of the actions and the impact inspired by such decisions. May this conference mark another step towards a nation that works for all its people,” he added.

In his welcome remarks, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, lauded the efforts and contributions of NEC to gains recorded in the economy, just as he commended the Vice President for his leadership and state Governors for their commitment to the ideals of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Senator Bagudu expressed hope that the NEC conference will provide the forum with an opportunity to generate the consensus needed to support the creation of the trillion dollar economy.

For his part, Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, represented by Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, said the conference was holding at a time where the country is undertaking a deliberate reset targeted at repositioning the economy for sustainable development.

He pledged the support of the states in delivering inclusive growth and sustainable national development as enshrined in the Renewed Hope National Development Plan.

VP SHETTIMA AT NEC CONFERENCE: Inclusive Growth, Economic Progress Must Filter Down To Everyday Lives Of Nigerians

Continue Reading

National News

55 Years of Win-Win: Nigeria and China’s Growing Partnership

Published

6 days ago

on

February 6, 2026

By

55 Years of Win-Win: Nigeria and China’s Growing Partnership


By Raphael Oni

February 10, 2026, marks a significant milestone in Nigeria-China relations, as the two countries celebrate 55 years of diplomatic ties. Over the years, their partnership has blossomed into a comprehensive strategic cooperation, with China emerging as one of Nigeria’s largest trading partners and investors.

“China and Nigeria are entering a new phase in their bilateral relationship — one that aims to move beyond the traditional, trade-heavy dynamic towards a mutually beneficial development model,” said President Xi Jinping.

The relationship between Nigeria and China is built on mutual respect, trust, and cooperation. The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) has played a pivotal role in strengthening ties between China and Africa, including Nigeria. Established in 2000, FOCAC has provided a platform for China and African countries to discuss issues of mutual interest, promote economic cooperation, and enhance cultural exchanges.

“Over the years, China and Nigeria have built a strategic partnership anchored on mutual respect, shared aspirations and practical cooperation,” said Hon. Yakubu.

One of the key areas of cooperation between Nigeria and China is infrastructure development. China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has been instrumental in transforming Nigeria’s infrastructure landscape. The BRI has facilitated the construction of critical infrastructure projects, including the Abuja-Kaduna, Lagos-Ibadan, and Ibadan-Kano rail lines, as well as the expansion and modernization of Nigeria’s international airports.

“The synergy between Nigeria’s resource-rich economy and China’s technological prowess presents vast opportunities for cooperation in areas such as infrastructure development, trade, and security,” noted Ambassador Amedu Ode while speaking on the partnership between the two countries.

The Lekki Deep Seaport, a flagship BRI project, has become a game-changer for Nigeria’s economy, enhancing the country’s trade capacity and positioning it as a major logistics hub in West Africa. China’s investments in Nigeria’s infrastructure have not only improved transportation networks but also created jobs and stimulated economic growth.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with the People’s Republic of China following a courtesy visit by the Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy, Zhou Hongyou, to the Spokesperson of the Ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, in his office recently. The Spokesperson in a chat with media said, “Nigeria have very cordial relations with the People’s Republic of China. It is a relationship based on mutual respect and cooperation in various areas that spans across economic, cultural, technological transfer etc to mention but few.” He noted that the relationship has direct impact on Nigeria economy, creating jobs, building capacity, technology transfer and many more.

Ebienfa said both sides reaffirmed at the meeting the shared commitment of Nigeria and China toward deepening diplomatic engagement, enhancing institutional cooperation and expanding people-to-people exchanges for mutual benefit. The discussions also focused on the importance of reciprocal visits, study tours and exposure programmes for diplomats to enhance mutual understanding, including short-term and specialized training programmes in governance, administration, strategic communication and public diplomacy. Reference was made to training initiatives coordinated by Chinese academic institutions, particularly Peking University, aimed at promoting experience-sharing among developing countries. “China is prepared to be a partner of Nigeria to stand up to challenges,” said Zhou Hongyou.

Nigeria and China have also strengthened their cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, and technology. China is Nigeria’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $21.89 billion in 2024. Nigeria exports crude oil, liquefied natural gas, and other commodities to China, while China exports machinery, electronics, and textiles to Nigeria.

In 2018, Nigeria and China signed a $2.4 billion currency swap deal, which has helped to boost trade and investment between the two countries. China has also established a number of industrial parks and special economic zones in Nigeria, providing a platform for Chinese companies to invest and operate in the country.

“The relationship between Nigeria and China has yielded tangible benefits for both countries, from infrastructure to technology, trade, education and cultural exchanges,” said Joseph Tegbe, Director-General of Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership.

In addition to economic cooperation, Nigeria and China have also strengthened their cultural and educational ties. China has established Confucius Institutes in several Nigerian universities, promoting Chinese language and culture. Nigeria and China have also signed agreements on cooperation in education, science, and technology. “Nigeria has consistently upheld the One-China principle as the basis of its relations with the People’s Republic of China,” stated the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership.

Nigeria and China have strengthened their bilateral ties, elevating their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in September 2024. This partnership aims to enhance cooperation in infrastructure, technology, education, and cultural exchanges.

Key Areas of Cooperation: China’s involvement in Nigeria spans multiple sectors, driving development across the country. While China maintains a policy of non-interference in Nigeria’s internal politics, its footprint is evident in various key areas. Let us examine the following:

Infrastructure Development: China has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s infrastructure growth, including the construction of roads, bridges, railways (e.g., Abuja-Kaduna and Lagos-Ibadan rail projects), and ports.

Economic Ties: Nigeria is China’s largest engineering contract recipient in Africa and its second-largest export market. Bilateral trade reached $21.89 billion in 2024, with China’s imports from Nigeria totaling $2.99 billion.

Energy and Power: China has invested in Nigeria’s energy sector, supporting projects like the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Plant and providing solar energy solutions.

Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): Nigeria is a key partner in China’s BRI, with projects like the Lekki Deep Seaport enhancing Nigeria’s trade capacity and positioning it as a major logistics hub in West Africa.

Telecommunications: Chinese companies like Huawei and ZTE have played a major role in expanding Nigeria’s telecom infrastructure, including 4G networks and fibre-optic cables.

Manufacturing and Industrialization: China has established manufacturing hubs in Nigeria, focusing on industries like textiles, cement, and steel production.

Agriculture: China has supported Nigeria’s agricultural development through initiatives like the China-Nigeria Agricultural Technology Demonstration Centre.

Healthcare: China has contributed to Nigeria’s healthcare sector through medical infrastructure development, equipment supply, and training programs.

Education and Capacity Building: China offers scholarships and training programs for Nigerian professionals, promoting knowledge transfer and capacity development.

People-to-People Exchanges: The China-Nigeria Friendship Hospital in Abuja provides medical services to Nigerians, with 200,000 patient visits annually and training for over 1,000 medical professionals.

Strategic Partnership: The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership establishes cooperation in technology, education, and cultural exchanges, promoting mutual growth and global stability.

The diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China, established on February 10, 1971, have been marked by a series of high-level visits that underscore the deepening ties between the two nations. Over the years, these exchanges have fostered cooperation, mutual understanding, and robust partnerships.

“The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Nigeria and China is expected to drive economic growth, improve infrastructure, and enhance Nigeria’s global standing,” said Yu Dunhai, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria.

The comprehensive strategic partnership between Nigeria and China has yielded significant benefits for both countries. Nigeria has gained access to much-needed infrastructure financing and technical expertise, while China has secured a reliable source of energy and a growing market for its goods and services. As Nigeria and China look to the future, there are opportunities for further cooperation in areas such as agriculture, healthcare, and renewable energy. The two countries can also work together to promote regional integration and stability in Africa.

The diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China, established on February 10, 1971, have been marked by a series of high-level visits that underscore the deepening ties between the two nations. Over the years, these exchanges have fostered cooperation, mutual understanding, and robust partnerships.

Chinese leaders have played a significant role in shaping the relationship. Vice Premier Geng Biao’s visit in October 1978 laid the groundwork for strengthened bilateral relations. This was followed by Vice Premier Huang Hua’s visit in November 1981, which further solidified ties. Vice Premier Tian Jiyun’s visit in November 1984 marked a significant milestone in economic cooperation. President Hu Jintao’s visits in 2004 and 2006 underscored China’s commitment to Nigeria’s development. Most recently, Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister, visited Nigeria in January 2025, highlighting the growing strategic partnership.

Nigerian leaders have also made significant contributions to the relationship. Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon’s visit in September 1974 was a pioneering step in Nigeria-China relations. President Olusegun Obasanjo’s visits in April 1999 and August 2001 strengthened economic ties. President Goodluck Jonathan’s state visit in July 2013 marked a significant milestone in bilateral cooperation. President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit in April 2018 further deepened ties. Vice President Kashim Shettima’s participation in the Third Belt and Road Forum in October 2023 highlighted Nigeria’s engagement with China’s global initiatives. President Bola Tinubu’s visit in September 2024, attending the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to the partnership.

These high-level visits have woven a tapestry of cooperation, driving progress in trade, investment, infrastructure, and cultural exchange. As Nigeria and China continue to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world, their partnership remains a beacon of mutual respect and shared aspirations. These visits have strengthened bilateral ties, with agreements signed on trade, investment, infrastructure development, and cultural exchange.

President Goodluck Jonathan’s 2013 visit led to agreements on a $1.1 billion loan for infrastructure projects, defense cooperation, economic and technical cooperation, and visa exemptions for diplomatic and official passport holders.

In January 2017, Wang Yi’s Visit to Nigeria, Nigeria signed the One China Principle, acknowledging Taiwan as part of China. Nigeria obtained a $40 billion investment pledge from China.

In April 2018, President Muhammadu Buhari‘s Visit to China and Signed agreements worth over $6 billion, including: $1 billion for the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone, $200 million for gas facilities, $478 million for a 300MW solar power project, $55 million for a granite mining plant, Agreed on a $2.4 billion currency swap deal.

In September 2024, Presidents Xi Jinping and Bola Tinubu announced the elevation of China-Nigeria relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership. Agreements signed during the visits includes; Belt and Road Initiative cooperation, Nuclear energy cooperation, Human resource development, Media exchange and cooperation. His Excellency Wang Yi’s Visit to Nigeria in January 2025 witnessed discussion on cooperation in clean energy, defense, and finance, Nigeria and China agreed to expand the $2 billion currency swap agreement. “China’s commitment to Africa, including Nigeria, is guided by the principle of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith” said Ms. Yan Yuqing, Consul General in Nigeria.

Following President Tinubu’s visit to Beijing in September 2024, Nigeria established a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with China, with Joseph Tegbe serving as Director General. Tegbe’s extensive international experience has been a significant asset in strengthening China-Nigeria relations. He has led several strategic visits to China and hosted high-level Chinese delegations in Nigeria, contributing to the growth of the partnership between these fraternal nation.

One of the visit hosted by the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) included a high-powered delegation from the Central Party School of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in Abuja, marking a significant milestone in bilateral institutional cooperation. The visit focused on governance, public service reform, investment, and strategic development planning.

The Chinese delegation, led by Vice President of the Central Party School, Professor Gong Weibin, during the dicussion with the Director General of NCSP reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the One China Policy. Tegbe emphasized Nigeria’s desire to build a forward-looking development partnership founded on mutual respect, strategic coordination, and shared prosperity.

The Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Mr. Joseph Tegbe in one of his high-level working visit to China, secured key partnerships aimed at driving Nigeria’s development. During his visit, Mr. Tegbe engaged with prominent Chinese companies, exploring opportunities for industrial cooperation and strategic development projects.

These strategic engagements are part of NCSP’s broader mission to build transformative partnerships that leverage China’s technological expertise while addressing Nigeria’s development priorities. The partnerships are expected to drive economic growth, improve infrastructure, and enhance the quality of life for Nigerians.

The NCSP DG’s visit to China demonstrates the organization’s commitment to fostering mutually beneficial relationships between Nigeria and China. The partnerships secured during the visit are expected to have a significant impact on Nigeria’s development, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, healthcare, and environmental sustainability.

These high-level visits have woven a tapestry of cooperation, driving progress in trade, investment, infrastructure, and cultural exchange. As Nigeria and China continue to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world, their partnership remains a beacon of mutual respect and shared aspirations.

In conclusion, the multifaceted engagements between Nigeria and China, spanning governmental collaborations and people-to-people connections, underscore a robust foundation for bilateral relations. As a student of international relations, it’s evident that the strategic partnership between these two nations is poised for significant growth, driven by mutual interests and shared developmental goals.

The synergy between Nigeria’s resource-rich economy and China’s technological prowess presents vast opportunities for cooperation in areas such as infrastructure development, trade, and security. Moreover, the cultural exchanges and people-to-people diplomacy initiatives have fostered a sense of camaraderie and shared destiny between the two nations.

As Nigeria and China continue to navigate the complexities of global geopolitics, their partnership is likely to play a pivotal role in shaping regional and international dynamics. With a strong foundation in place, a brighter shared future for China-Nigeria relations seems not only plausible but inevitable, promising benefits for both nations and the broader global community.

Raphael Oni, a renowned Nigerian journalist, diplomatic correspondent, and media consultant with over two decades of experience covering national and international news, focusing on diplomacy, politics, and global affairs. He’s been dubbed the “Dean of Diplomatic Reporters” due to his extensive expertise in diplomatic reporting.

NigeriaChinaPartnership

ChinaNigeriaRelations

Balancing the Narratives

ComprehensiveStrategicPartnership

BeltAndRoadInitiative

FOCAC

AfricaChinaCooperation

NigeriaChinaTies

GlobalSouthCooperation

End

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights