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Partners in Progress: Nigeria-China @54

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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.
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Reps Demand Action on N3.2bn Infraction Allegations in Labour Ministry

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By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has called for an inquiry into financial Expressing concerns over the disregard for parliamentary oversight,  amounting to N3.2 billion under the leadership of former Permanent Secretaries in the Federal Ministry of Labour, Williams Alo and Yerima Tafa.

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The legislative body has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission (IPCC) to take appropriate steps regarding the matter.

The Chairman House Committee on Public Accounts, Rep. Bamidele Salam,con Monday, who expressed concerns over the disregard for parliamentary oversight, crcriticised persistent failure of ministries and government agencies to respond to audit queries.

According to Rep. Salam, despite repeated invitations, the Ministry of  Labour has neither provided the necessary documents nor defended itself against 32 audit queries from the 2020 audit report.

He noted that while the Auditor General’s report contained specific recommendations, the committee extended multiple opportunities for the ministry to respond—efforts that were ignored. He further lamented the broader trend of government bodies failing to honor parliamentary summons, undermining the National Assembly’s constitutional role in ensuring accountability.

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The committee has also directed the current Permanent Secretary, Saliu Usman, to appear within 72 hours to address the outstanding audit queries for the 2021 financial year. Failure to comply may lead to the adoption of the Auditor General’s recommendations. Similarly, the Permanent Secretaries of the Ministries of Transportation, Women Affairs, and Humanitarian Services have been given the same timeframe to respond to related matters.

Committee members emphasised the urgency of resolving these audit queries before the next report is presented in April. Some lawmakers also raised concerns that the Minister of State for Labour, being a former legislator, should understand the importance of engaging with the National Assembly on financial oversight issues.

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Appeal Court Returns APC LG Chairmen Fired By Adeleke

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa pm

The Court of Appeals sitting in Akure has reinstated the elected Local Government officials who were previously fired by Governors Ademola Adeleke, and has ordered their immediate resumption of office.

Recall that on assumption of office in November 2022, Governor Adeleke sacked the local government officials after a High Court decision had earlier upturned their election.

The High Court sacked the council officials after their election which was organised by OSSIEC.

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The Osun State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and other political parties had approached the High Court to challenge the council elections.

They prayed the court to declare the election as a nullity because it was only the APC candidates who contested vacant positions and the ‘options given to them was either a YES or NO’.

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Detained popular TikToker, Seaking regains freedom after Adeboye’s request

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

TikToker Olumide Ogunsanwo, also known as Seaking has been released after spending some time in police detention.

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) Omoyele Sowore announced the news on Instagram, expressing gratitude to everyone involved in securing his freedom

He wrote: “We are pleased to confirm that Olumide Ogunsanwo @seaking303 has been released from @PoliceNG custody after our prompt rejection of the initial bail condition requiring a Level 12 or 10 civil servant, resulting in a swift agreement and release on administrative bail, signed by me.”

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Recall, on Feburary 6, Seaking was rearrested in Lagos over his defamatory comments against the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye and flown to Abuja.

Reacting, Pastor Adeboye during a monthly Holy Ghost Service called for the release of the TikToker stating that he was not involved in his arrest.

The clergyman noted that those who moved for the arrest of the Tiktoker didn’t carry him along when they took action over alleged derogatory remarks against him by the social media user.

The popular cleric has, however, directed the release of the Tiktoker, saying he is only fulfilling prophecy.

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“I heard that there was someone who lambasted me thoroughly; What’s my offense? because I asked my people to fast for 100 days, I didn’t ask him o. I didn’t ask anybody who is not a member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God to fast. Only my children. But God said that it will happen.

“I was told that some people got so angry and they went and arrested the fellow. Ha, release him, he is fulfilling prophecy

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