Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China have concluded plans to hold a political consultation in July 2026 as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between both countries.
The Federal Government also reaffirmed its commitment to the One-China Policy during a high-level meeting between the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, and the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, in Abuja.
According to the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the meeting was convened to discuss preparations for the upcoming political consultation and other related bilateral engagements.
Ahmed reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to deepening its strategic partnership with China, describing the relationship as a key pillar of Nigeria’s foreign policy and economic development agenda.
He emphasised the importance of sustained dialogue and stronger coordination ahead of the Nigeria-China Sub-Committee Meeting and other forthcoming diplomatic engagements.
“He noted that such engagements would provide an opportunity for both sides to align priorities and deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest,” Ebienfa said.
The Chinese Ambassador, Yu Dunhai, reaffirmed China’s commitment to expanding its comprehensive strategic partnership with Nigeria.
He said the planned consultations would allow both countries to review progress on agreements reached during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to China in September 2024, as well as subsequent bilateral engagements.
Yu highlighted key areas of cooperation, including infrastructure development, trade, industrialisation, power generation and railway modernisation.
He also noted the impact of China’s zero-tariff policy for eligible Nigerian exports, which took effect on May 1, 2026, stating that it had already boosted Nigerian exports and is expected to further enhance investment, job creation and industrial growth.
On broader bilateral and multilateral issues, the envoy expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s continued support on matters of mutual interest.
He also indicated China’s readiness to expand cooperation in areas such as regional security, counter-terrorism, artificial intelligence governance, education, cultural exchange and youth development.
The ambassador commended Nigeria’s efforts in addressing security challenges affecting foreign nationals and investments, while urging continued measures to ensure a safe business environment.
In response, Permanent Secretary Ahmed reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the One-China Policy and expressed the country’s determination to deepen cooperation in sectors including industrialisation, agriculture, ICT, transportation, education, healthcare and human capital development.
Both sides agreed to maintain close consultations and strengthen bilateral cooperation in pursuit of shared development objectives.
The meeting concluded on a cordial note, with both countries expressing confidence in the continued growth of Nigeria-China relations and strategic partnership.
