By Gloria Ikibah
In a landmark move to deepen economic cooperation and foster development, President Xi Jinping of China and President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria have met in Beijing.
The meeting, which took place on Tuesday ahead of the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit, signifies a new chapter in the relationship between the two nations.
During the meeting, President Xi proposed elevating China-Nigeria relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, emphasizing the importance of collective strength, unity, and win-win cooperation. President Tinubu echoed this sentiment, underscoring that such a partnership should contribute to regional development, peace, stability, and security in West Africa.
Both leaders acknowledged the long-standing diplomatic ties between China and Nigeria, which have spanned over 50 years, grounded in mutual understanding and cooperation.
President Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s potential as Africa’s most populous country, driven by a youthful population that can fuel economic growth. While President Xi reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s economic reforms, expressing his readiness to fully unleash the potential of China-Nigeria cooperation.
Reflecting on his visit, Tinubu noted that this was his second time in China—the first being during his tenure as governor of Lagos State.
He emphasized the significance of his visit, not just for Nigeria, but also for the ECOWAS region.
He said: “This is a very important visit for Nigeria and the rest of Africa, especially in my capacity as Chairman of ECOWAS.
“Our relationship with China has lasted for over half a century and will continue to strengthen, driving our trade and economic development.”
President Tinubu stressed the strategic importance of the partnership in addressing regional development challenges, peace, stability, and security in West Africa. He also highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to economic reforms, which, when fully implemented, are expected to foster sustainable growth.
The meeting culminated in the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) related to the Belt and Road Initiative, news exchange cooperation, and television collaboration.
“We have recognized the need to reform our economic program and have taken strategic measures to achieve these goals,” Tinubu stated.
With this partnership, China and Nigeria are poised to achieve sustainable growth and development.
President Tinubu was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including His Excellency AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, Executive Governor of Kwara State, His Excellency Senator Uba Sani, Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, and His Excellency Mohammed Badaru, Honourable Minister of Defence, among others.