The Director-General of the Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Mr. Joseph Tegbe, hosted a high-powered delegation from the Chinese Embassy, comprising Mr. Zhou Hongyou, Charge d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Mr. Wang Yingqi, Minister Counsellor for Economic and Commercial Affairs, and other senior officials of the Embassy.
Welcoming the delegation, Mr. Tegbe reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with China and affirmed the One-China principle. He highlighted Nigeria’s ambition to significantly scale up bilateral trade, targeting 350 billion RMB (approximately $50 billion) trade volume by 2030, with Nigerian exports representing at least 30% of the total volume. This will be achieved by leveraging the upcoming zero-tariff policy and a significant increase in the export of agricultural produce. He also emphasized the importance of strategic economic collaboration to drive sustainable growth for Nigerian businesses.
Mr. Zhou expressed satisfaction. With the growing relationship between Nigeria and China and underscored the need to explore further avenues for deepening economic and commercial cooperation, especially in technology, agriculture, and human capacity development. He expressed optimism that the zero-tariff agreement will create substantial opportunities for Nigerian businesses, boost bilateral trade, and further strengthen the already robust relationship between the two countries.
The Chinese Embassy expressed their support for Nigeria’s industrialization drive, particularly in steel development and the agricultural sector. The reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing development projects across the country, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
On behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, Mr Tegbe felicitated with the Chinese people on the forthcoming Chinese Spring Festival to mark the new Lunar Year. He affirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening cultural, diplomatic, and economic ties with the People’s Republic of China, fostering a more robust, sustainable, and mutually beneficial Nigeria–China partnership.
