The Director-General of the Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership, NCSP, Mr. Joseph Tegbe, has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with China as he hosted a high-powered delegation from the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria.
The delegation was led by the Charge d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy, Mr. Zhou Hongyou, and included the Minister Counsellor for Economic and Commercial Affairs, Mr. Wang Yingqi, alongside other senior embassy officials.
Welcoming the delegation, Tegbe reaffirmed Nigeria’s adherence to the One-China principle and underscored the country’s determination to significantly expand bilateral trade relations. He disclosed Nigeria’s ambition to grow trade volume with China to 350 billion RMB (about $50 billion) by 2030, with Nigerian exports accounting for at least 30 per cent of the total trade volume.
According to him, the target would be driven by the forthcoming zero-tariff policy and a substantial increase in the export of Nigerian agricultural products. Tegbe emphasized that deepened economic collaboration with China remains critical to driving sustainable growth, industrial development, and export competitiveness for Nigerian businesses.
In his remarks, Zhou expressed satisfaction with the growing Nigeria–China relationship and stressed the importance of exploring new opportunities to deepen economic and commercial cooperation. He identified technology, agriculture, and human capacity development as key sectors with strong potential for expanded collaboration.
Zhou expressed optimism that the zero-tariff agreement would unlock significant opportunities for Nigerian exporters, boost bilateral trade volumes, and further consolidate the already strong ties between both countries.
The Chinese Embassy delegation also reaffirmed China’s support for Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda, particularly in steel development and agriculture. They reiterated China’s commitment to ongoing development projects across Nigeria, noting that these efforts align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
On behalf of the Nigerian government and people, Tegbe congratulated the Chinese people ahead of the Chinese Spring Festival marking the Lunar New Year.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening cultural, diplomatic, and economic relations with the People’s Republic of China, with a focus on building a more robust, sustainable, and mutually beneficial partnership.
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