Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to China, Abdulrahman Dambazau, has pledged to prioritise the welfare and protection of Nigerians living in China while strengthening bilateral cooperation between both countries in critical sectors including human capital development, infrastructure, health, education, agriculture and security.
Dambazau made the remarks during a courtesy visit to the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, ahead of his deployment to China.
READ ALSO: Nigeria Marks 55 Years of Diplomatic Ties With China
He noted that China hosts a large population of Nigerians, many of whom are engaged in trade and commerce, stressing the need for close collaboration with NiDCOM to provide support and guidance for Nigerians in the Asian country while encouraging them to uphold the image of Nigeria abroad.
Speaking on Nigeria-China relations, Dambazau said both countries have maintained diplomatic ties since 1971, with cooperation deepening through successive state visits and strategic engagements over the years.
He referenced President Bola Tinubu’s 2024 visit to Beijing as a major milestone in the relationship, noting that China reaffirmed support for Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda during the visit, while Nigeria reiterated its commitment to the One-China Policy.
Security Cooperation
Drawing from his experience as former Minister of Interior and former Chief of Army Staff, Dambazau emphasised the importance of enhanced security cooperation between both nations, noting that Nigeria could benefit from China’s technical and strategic support in tackling emerging security challenges.
In her response, Dabiri-Erewa commended Dambazau for being the first ambassador-designate to visit the Commission, expressing confidence that his extensive experience in governance and security would positively impact Nigerians living in China.
She described him as a strategic networker whose connections and leadership would benefit the Nigerian diaspora community in the country.
The NiDCOM boss reaffirmed the Commission’s support for the One-China Policy and said the agency would rely on the ambassador’s office to assist in data collection and proper documentation of Nigerians residing in China.
Belt and Road Initiative
Dabiri-Erewa further stated that Nigeria stands to gain significantly from China’s Belt and Road Initiative through investments in infrastructure, rail transport, ports and trade corridors that could boost businesses and the broader economy.
According to her, Nigerians in the diaspora, particularly those based in China, are strategically positioned to serve as economic bridges between both countries.
She also invited Dambazau to participate in the 2026 National Diaspora Day scheduled for July 24 to 25, themed “Harnessing Global Diaspora Medical Expertise to Strengthen Local Health Systems for National Development.”
The NiDCOM Chairman further extended invitations to the Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference in Toronto from August 12 to 15 and the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit slated for November 2026.
