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

Published

2 months ago

February 5, 2026

Gloria Ikibah

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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.

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.

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.

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Vice President Shettima Pushes Urgent Overhaul of Nigeria’s Planning System

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2 hours ago

April 14, 2026

Gloria Ikibah

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By Gloria Ikibah

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for sweeping reforms to Nigeria’s budgeting framework, warning that the country must adopt a more realistic and development-driven approach to public spending.

Speaking at a two day National Policy Dialogue organised by the National Assembly Joint Committee on National Planning and Economic Development with the Theme: “The Imperatives of National Development Plan for Effective Budgeting System and Sustainable Growth Of the Nigerian Economy”, which began in Abuja on Tuesday,the Vice President stressed the need to align annual budgets more closely with long-term development plans in order to achieve sustainable growth.

Shettima who was represented by his Special Adviser on Economic Matters, Tope Fasua, highlighted the importance of rethinking how budgets are designed and implemented, noting that the country’s development ambitions depend heavily on a more coherent planning structure.

The event brought together policymakers and experts to examine how Nigeria can accelerate progress through better integration of planning and budgeting.

He stressed that the focus of the discussions was to find practical ways of linking short-term fiscal decisions with medium- and long-term national priorities.

He said, “t the very time, it was a very important topic for the moment and for the time to come in view of President Tinubu’s great vision for the people of Nigeria, according to the renewed agenda of Mr. President.

“Also, it’s asked, how can our budgets be impacted more positively by these plans and how do we institute a path towards sustainable growth, which not only focuses on the annual trajectory of our domestic product GDP, but also focuses on the improvement of standards of living of our people as measured by reduction in poverty rates and the rise of per capita income.

“This is an apt moment to echo the thoughts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Minister, the Minister of Budget and Planning, to the extent that our budgets should not only be people-focused. But our budgets should actually be larger than they are presently. This informed the recent adjustment to the 2026 budget, fiscal budget, by about 10 trillion line, to taking the sum to 68 trillion”.

According to the Vice President some critics, have opined that Nigeria should have a much smaller budget, adding that “they need to be reminded that budgeting is not a process of reviewing past shortcomings and capitulating to limitations, but a process by which Nigeria documents its greater future and challenges itself to do even better than the past.

“The usual refrain about revenue generation has been well addressed by Mr. President’s Acts on Revenue Reforms, which have kicked in since January 2026, with great promise. Many institutions have become fiscalized. Many are leading to a decline. Many institutions have become fiscalized. Many are leading to a better capture of revenues that would have otherwise been lost to government.

“Technology has also been deployed to get to where human beings need to go. And so we believe that revenue numbers for 2026 and beyond will paint a positively different picture. Indeed, we must also recognize the recent Fiscal Policy Measures, (FPMs), which were articulated by the Office of the Minister of Finance and Foundation Management. Nor is it a symbol of the beneficial and positive impact of high-quality business on the economy”.

He further stated that many tariffs on essential raw materials and other similar products were reduced to the benefit and further benefit of the citizenry tariffs on essentials, raw materials and other similar products were reduced adding that Duty of pharmaceuticals, fabric, machinery, and some specific manufacturing equipment have also been removed with a view to encouraging higher productivity in critical sectors.

“This deft move signals that the Tinubu government greatly cares for the people of Nigeria, and there is so much more to come. Economic planning is a national imperative, and President Tinubu is a great believer in this idea, not necessarily in the rigidities and strictures reminiscent of Soviet-era economics, but in a more nuanced and data-driven manner, which quickly distills into the economic well-being of the people.

“Currently, our budgets are being guided by the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) as well as the national development plans. These plans could be put together by the budgets and planning ministry. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the largest room in the world is the room for improvement. Therefore, in spite of current achievements and structures of ground, a lot more can be achieved, especially around sustainable development.

“Again, this will be measured by higher per capita income for our people and long-term growth. As well as better standards of living and significant leaps in the 17 metrics measured under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Measurements around poverty in general, food poverty in particular, health, education, water, and much more”, he added.

Also speaking at the forum, Director General of the Nigeria Institute of Social and Economic Research, Professor Anthonia Simbine, pointed to deep-rooted structural issues undermining development efforts.

She said the country’s challenges are not due to a lack of plans, but rather poor execution and weak coordination.

“The challenges facing the country was not as a result of absence of development planning, but weak implementation discipline as well as misalignment between plans and budgets, unrealistic macro fiscal assumptions and weak execution of monitoring systems,” she said.

Her remarks reinforced concerns that without stronger discipline and accountability, even well-crafted policies may fail to deliver meaningful results.

The Director General noted that global experience has consistently shown that successful economies are built on strong alignment between national plans and budgets, backed by credible fiscal rules, independent forecasting and the use of digital systems alongside performance-based budgeting.

Professor Anthonia Simbine argued that for Nigeria to close its implementation gaps and deliver inclusive, long-term growth under the Renewed Hope Mid-Term National Development Plan (2026–2030), it must move away from conventional budgeting practices and embrace a more flexible, technology-driven fiscal approach.

She outlined the need for a structured link between planning and budgeting, moving beyond basic compliance to a more strategic allocation of resources. This, she explained, would involve ensuring that capital projects are tightly aligned with national priorities, placing greater emphasis on value for money and measurable impact, and redesigning government programmes to focus on scalable, high-impact outcomes.

She also pushed for a more responsive budgeting model, proposing the adoption of rolling frameworks that allow for periodic adjustments based on changing realities. This would include quarterly forecasts, a more flexible medium-term expenditure framework and the ability to reallocate resources within approved limits when necessary.

In addition, she highlighted the importance of innovative financing and stronger collaboration across sectors. This would involve pooling resources across government departments, expanding the use of public-private partnerships, exploring blended financing options and making better use of national and subnational investment platforms.

Technology, she stressed, must play a central role in modernising the budgeting process. She called for deeper integration of digital financial systems, the introduction of real-time tracking tools and automated reporting mechanisms to improve transparency, monitoring and early detection of inefficiencies.

She further emphasised the need to strengthen coordination between federal and state governments through incentive-based frameworks, including performance-linked transfers and joint project platforms that encourage alignment across all levels.

To improve accountability, she advocated a shift towards outcome-driven budgeting, where funding releases are tied to clearly defined performance indicators. This, she noted, should be supported by performance contracts for government agencies, real-time audits and data-driven evaluation systems.

Professor Simbine also pointed to the need for better tools to measure socio-economic impact, proposing the development of standardised metrics and the integration of cost-benefit analysis into decision-making.

At the same time, she stressed the importance of balancing flexibility with fiscal discipline, recommending the establishment of stabilisation mechanisms and contingency reserves to manage uncertainties while maintaining economic stability.

The two-day dialogue is expected to generate recommendations aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s budgeting system and ensuring it supports long-term economic growth.

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NTAC Boss Says A Sustainable democracy In West Africa Is Dependent on Building An Educated Population

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4 hours ago

April 14, 2026

Gloria Ikibah

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By Gloria Ikibah

The Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, has stressed that sustainable democracy across West Africa depends largely on building an educated and skilled population.

The Director-General stated this at the 2026 Voice of Nigeria Forum in Abuja, held to commemorate the 51st anniversary of ECOWAS, where he highlighted Nigeria’s long-standing role in supporting stability across the sub-region.

Yakub praised the vision of early African leaders, particularly General Yakubu Gowon, whose efforts led to the creation of ECOWAS under the Lagos Accord. He also commended the organisers of the forum for sustaining a platform that encourages policy dialogue and reflection on regional progress.

Represented by his Media Assistant, Nkem Anyatta-Lafia, the NTAC chief said the forum’s theme aligns closely with the agency’s mission of promoting education, empowerment and skills transfer across member states.

He said: “It is a profound honour to stand before this distinguished assembly of thinkers, policymakers, and patriots as we reflect on a milestone that is as much about our shared history as it is about our collective future.

“For over five decades—nearly four of which NTAC has been in existence—Nigeria has played a leading role in the sub-region, not only through economic and military support but also through the strategic deployment of soft power and human capital development.”

He emphasised that democracy extends beyond elections, pointing instead to the importance of strong institutions and human capacity.

“For nearly 40 years, NTAC Volunteers—comprising doctors, engineers, teachers, and legal professionals—have advanced these ideals across Africa, the Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries. They serve as Nigeria’s peace ambassadors, strengthening the social and technical foundations of partner nations”, he stated.

Yakub also linked instability in parts of the region to poverty and limited technical capacity, noting that NTAC’s interventions are designed to build resilience and support governance.

Highlighting the agency’s impact, he revealed that more than 11,000 Nigerian professionals have been deployed to over 40 countries in the past four decades, contributing to development efforts under Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities.

“This is the mandate NTAC continues to pursue in strengthening Nigeria’s global partnerships and reinforcing its leadership role in Africa and beyond,” he added.

He therefore urged continued collaboration among stakeholders to tackle emerging threats to democracy, while applauding the Voice of Nigeria for promoting meaningful regional conversations.

The event drew a wide range of dignitaries, including senior government officials, lawmakers, traditional rulers, members of the diplomatic corps and top military officers.

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Just in: ADC, fires Bala, Abejide, others as crisis escalates

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4 hours ago

April 14, 2026

EMMANUEL AGAJI

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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expelled several prominent members of the party, including a sitting lawmaker, during its national convention held on Tuesday.

Among those affected are Leke Abejide, a member of the House of Representatives; Nafiu Bala, a former deputy national chairman of the party; Kenneth Ehiator; Stella Chukwu; and Elias Adiukwu.

The expulsions were carried out by a faction of the party loyal to former Senate President David Mark, signaling deepening internal divisions within the ADC.

According to proceedings at the convention, the decision to expel the members was formally presented before party delegates for approval.

The motion for their expulsion was moved by Binos Yaroe, who represents Adamawa South in the Senate.

While details surrounding the reasons for the expulsions were not immediately disclosed, the development is expected to intensify the ongoing leadership crisis within the party.

The move underscores growing tensions between rival factions in the ADC, as the party continues to grapple with internal disagreements ahead of future political contests.

Efforts to reach the flushed out members for comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.