Nigeria and China have entered a new phase of closer diplomatic and economic cooperation, with Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, describing the relationship between both countries as being on the “fast lane.”
Dunhai made the remarks in Abuja on Wednesday during an event marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China.
According to the ambassador, five and a half decades of diplomatic ties have strengthened the relationship between the two countries, built around mutual respect, shared interests and growing economic cooperation.
He said the partnership had gained further momentum under the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Dunhai disclosed that bilateral trade between Nigeria and China reached $18 billion in the first half of 2026, representing a 35 per cent increase. He added that Chinese imports from Nigeria rose by 81 per cent during the same period.
He also pointed to new cultural initiatives aimed at bringing the people of both countries closer. Among them is the launch of Chinese language broadcasts on the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria and Voice of Nigeria.
The ambassador said China was prepared to align its 15th Five Year Plan with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in areas such as industrialisation, digital development, green and blue economies.
He also invited Nigeria to join the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation, saying greater collaboration in technology could help both countries contribute to global developments in artificial intelligence.
Dunhai further called for stronger cooperation based on innovation, openness and mutual trust, saying such efforts would deepen the longstanding friendship between Nigeria and China while contributing to stronger China Africa relations.
He said China remained committed to supporting African integration and self reliant development. According to him, China’s decision to introduce zero tariff treatment for products from 53 African countries from May 1 had already contributed to a 24 per cent increase in Chinese imports from Africa during May and June.
The ambassador said the policy could help African countries transform their natural resources into stronger industrial economies while supporting the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area and efforts toward a more balanced global trading system.
Speaking at the event, President Bola Tinubu commended China for its longstanding friendship with Nigeria and highlighted the role of the Forum on China Africa Cooperation and the Belt and Road Initiative in creating opportunities for practical engagement between both countries.
Tinubu said the relationship, which began in 1972, had developed beyond conventional diplomatic ties into a partnership that increasingly affects the daily lives of Nigerians and Chinese citizens.
He also acknowledged China’s contributions to Nigeria through investment, financing and engineering, as well as cooperation in healthcare, people to people exchanges and technical trade.
The President particularly welcomed China’s zero tariff programme, describing it as an important opportunity for Nigerian producers seeking greater access to the Chinese market.
Tinubu, in a speech delivered by the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, called for deeper cooperation in the areas of reliable electricity, renewable energy and local production of power equipment.
He stressed that Chinese investment should also help expand Nigeria’s domestic energy production, develop local technology and strengthen Nigerian businesses.
According to him, cooperation would have a more lasting impact when Nigerians are equipped with the skills and capacity to operate, maintain and further develop the infrastructure and systems built through such partnerships.
The two countries have continued to expand their economic and diplomatic engagement, with trade, infrastructure, technology, energy and cultural exchange emerging as key areas of cooperation.
