Nigeria and China will hold a high-level political consultation meeting in July 2026 as both countries move to deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership and expand cooperation across key sectors of the economy.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening relations with China when he received the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, in Abuja to discuss preparations for the upcoming consultations.
Ambassador Ahmed described Nigeria’s relationship with China as a key pillar of the country’s foreign policy and economic development agenda.
“Nigeria attaches immense importance to its strategic partnership with the People’s Republic of China. Our relationship remains a key pillar of our foreign policy and a vital contributor to our economic development objectives,” he said.
He stressed the need for continuous engagement between both countries, noting that “the forthcoming political consultation and the Nigeria-China Sub-Committee Meeting will provide an important platform for both sides to align priorities, strengthen cooperation and advance our shared interests.”
According to him, the consultations will provide an opportunity for both countries to harmonise priorities, review ongoing cooperation and identify new areas of collaboration that will further strengthen bilateral ties.
Chinese Ambassador Yu Dunhai reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to enhancing its comprehensive strategic partnership with Nigeria, noting that the July consultations would assess the implementation of agreements reached during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to China in September 2024, as well as subsequent bilateral engagements.
“The forthcoming consultations will enable both countries to review the progress made in implementing the important agreements reached during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s State Visit to China in September 2024 and chart a clear path for future cooperation,” Ambassador Yu said.
The envoy highlighted progress in Nigeria-China cooperation, particularly in infrastructure development, trade, industrialisation, power generation and railway modernisation.
He also commended the impact of China’s zero-tariff policy for eligible Nigerian exports, which took effect on May 1, 2026.
“China’s zero-tariff policy for eligible Nigerian exports has already begun to increase Nigerian exports to the Chinese market. We believe this initiative will further stimulate investment, industrial growth and job creation in Nigeria,” he said.
Beyond economic cooperation, Ambassador Yu expressed China’s readiness to expand collaboration with Nigeria in regional peace and security, counter-terrorism, multilateral affairs, artificial intelligence governance, educational exchanges, cultural diplomacy and youth development.
“China stands ready to deepen cooperation with Nigeria in regional peace and security, counter-terrorism, artificial intelligence governance, educational exchanges, cultural diplomacy and youth development as we continue to build an even stronger comprehensive strategic partnership,” he added.
The Chinese envoy also acknowledged the efforts of the Federal Government and Nigerian security agencies in addressing security challenges affecting foreign nationals and investments, while stressing the need to sustain measures that guarantee a safe environment for businesses and investors.
Responding, Ambassador Ahmed reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to the One-China Policy and pledged to deepen cooperation with China in strategic sectors including industrialisation, agriculture, information and communication technology, transportation, education, healthcare and human capital development.
“Nigeria remains firmly committed to the One-China Policy and is determined to deepen cooperation with China in critical sectors such as industrialisation, agriculture, ICT, transportation, education, healthcare and human capital development,” he said.
He added that “the Federal Government will continue to promote value addition, manufacturing and technology-driven economic growth as part of its broader economic transformation agenda.”
Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining close consultations and strengthening bilateral cooperation in pursuit of shared development goals, expressing confidence that the Nigeria-China strategic partnership would continue to grow in the years ahead.