The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai has commended Nigeria’s resilience, unity, determination, diversified culture, and its, hospitable and passionate spirit.
He restated China’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Nigeria, by sharing development opportunities.
Speaking at a reception to commemorate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Ambassador Dunhai, hailed Nigeria’s role on the international stage, pledging to work with Nigeria and African countries to advance developmental framework.
“We are eager to share development opportunities with African countries, including Nigeria, and the rest of the world. China has remained committed to supporting Africa’s integration and enhancing its capacity for self-driven development.
“China stands ready to deepen cooperation with Nigeria across various sectors. We will align our policy with Nigeria’s “Renewed Hope” agenda and eight priority areas, so as to promote more cooperative projects and advance China-Nigeria relations to new height”, he said
According to the Chinese Ambassador, China-Nigeria relations have witnessed strong growth over the years, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to China, elevated the existing bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Dunhai said; “Over the year, China and Nigeria stand side by side as major developing countries. Nigeria joined the BRICS family, and became a founding member of the International Organization for Mediation. Nigeria firmly supports the one-China principle in bilateral and multilateral settings, and contributes to global governance reform, international fairness and the collective interests of the Global South.”
He also stressed that : “Our cooperation has brought tangible benefits to Nigeria people. The Lekki Deep Sea Port has become a new “national gateway” for Nigeria’s global trade.
“It is expected to generate $360 billion in economic benefits and create 170,000 jobs over the next 45 years.Over the past 25 years, China and Africa have adhered to principles of sincerity, equality, mutual benefit, and common development. We foster a cooperation model that is equal, pragmatic and efficient.
“The completion of the Abuja Water Supply Project, which will meet the clean water needs of nearly 3 million people, and the potential construction of Africa’s first local insulin production facility.”
The Ambassador expressed delight over Nigeria’s decision to add Chinese language to its senior secondary school curriculum, calling it an important bridge for deepening China-Nigeria friendship.
Dunhai also praised Nigerian individuals, such as Ms. Issah Fatimah Abiola, the first Nigerian female train driver trained by CCECC, who was honored with China’s “Friendship Envoy Award.”
The Ambassador, further called for an increased unity and cooperation, quoting a Hausa proverb, “Hannu da yawa ba ya karyewa” (Which means hand with many fingers does not break).
“Let us stand united for a brighter and more splendid future. May China and Nigeria enjoy prosperity and its people happiness! May China and Nigeria friendship last forever,” Dunhai said.
Speaking on behalf of the Nigerian government, Senator Babangida Hussaini, representing Jigawa North-West Senatorial District in Jigawa state, described the commemoration as celebration of enduring values of resilience, determination, and visionary leadership that have propelled China to its present heights.
“Nigeria and China share a unique bond, celebrating our national days on the same date, October 1st. This coincidence symbolizes the deep intertwining of our destinies. Our comprehensive strategic partnership is defined by tangible outcomes in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, education, defense, trade, and investment. Chinese enterprises and investments are visible in every corner of Nigeria, contributing to modernization.
“Nigeria’s 10-Year Development Plan and President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda find natural complementarity with China’s Belt and Road Initiative, opening new opportunities for growth and shared prosperity”, he said.
Hussaini further pledge commitment to strengthening parliamentary diplomacy between the two countries.
He said; “We celebrate the principle of South-South cooperation, demonstrating solidarity with developing nations. Nigeria values this partnership and looks forward to continuing cooperation in promoting peace, stability, and development. Let us reaffirm our collective resolve to deepen the bond of trust and mutual understanding between Nigeria and China, championing dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect. Once again, congratulations to the government and people of China on your 76th anniversary. We celebrate your journey, applaud your achievements, and look forward to greater heights.”
On his part, the Director General for Nigeria-China strategic partnership, Mr. Joseph Tegbe said Nigeria is extending its relationship with China, beyond just government-government relationship.
“What my office has done in the last one year is to increase business-to-business relationship. Supported by sovereign guarantees and sovereign backing of both countries. That is the only way you can actually do a sustainable development. If you have government-to-government relationship without businesses and individuals backing it up to ensure sustainability, you’re going to have challenges. So we shifted our focus to business-to-business relationship,” Tegbe said.
He added that: “We’re developing a lot of platforms where individuals, especially SMEs, small and medium-sized enterprises, who are interested in doing business with China can actually leverage on. We’re not expecting that Chinese products will be brought to flood Nigeria’s market. But Nigerian businesses and entrepreneurs will leverage on the light manufacturing equipments of advanced technology from China.”
Over 76 years, China has journeyed from nation-building challenges to extraordinary achievements, becoming a global leader in manufacturing, innovation, infrastructure, science, technology, poverty alleviation, and sustainable development.
Olusola Akintonde