The Nigerian Government has congratulated the Government and people of China on the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
In a statement signed by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, the government said Nigeria valued its longstanding partnership with China, describing the relationship as one anchored on “mutual respect, shared interests and a strong commitment to deepening partnerships for the mutual benefit of both countries and their peoples.”
Nigeria and China established diplomatic relations on February 10, 1971, and have since expanded cooperation in areas including trade and investment, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, defence, development cooperation, solid minerals and culture.
The ministry noted that the relationship reached a new level in September 2024 with the establishment of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, providing a framework for both countries to deepen practical cooperation and pursue shared development objectives.
According to Adeniyi, “the determination of both countries to further elevate and consolidate their growing relations culminated in the establishment of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in September 2024.”
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The Nigerian Government also highlighted Nigeria-China cooperation in advancing the country’s industrialisation and value-addition agenda, while seeking greater trade and investment opportunities.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria welcomes ongoing bilateral initiatives aimed at supporting Nigeria industrialisation and value addition agenda, expanding trade and investment, advancing renewable energy and digital economy, and enhancing access for Nigerian products to the Chinese market”, the statement said.
Maximise Opportunities
The government further stressed the need to maximise opportunities arising from China’s zero-tariff policy for African countries, describing the initiative as consistent with the principles of South-South Cooperation and mutually beneficial economic partnership.
The ministry also welcomed efforts to implement the outcomes of the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit, stressing the importance of maximising opportunities arising from the agreements and initiatives.
Nigeria and China have continued to cooperate at the multilateral level, particularly on international peace and security, sustainable development and other global challenges.
Adeniyi said both countries continued to strengthen solidarity among developing countries through South-South Cooperation and support efforts towards “a more inclusive and equitable international system.”
The 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China, being commemorated this year, was described by the government as an opportunity to consolidate existing gains, identify new areas of practical cooperation and deepen mutual understanding.
The ministry said the anniversary would also provide an avenue for enhanced people-to-people and institutional exchanges between the two countries.
The Ministry further extended the Nigerian Government’s goodwill to Chinese President, Xi Jinping, as well as the Government and people of China.
“On this very important occasion, the Federal Government of Nigeria wishes His Excellency Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, as well as the Government and people of the People’s Republic of China continued peace, prosperity and progress,” the statement added.
