By Ochiaka Ugwu
The Permanent Secretary of the Nigerian Foreign Ministry, Amb. Dunoma Umar Ahmed has commended the longstanding cordial relations between the People’s Republic of China and Nigeria, noting that the bilateral relationship, built on mutual respect, non-interference, and shared development aspirations, has continued to yield tangible benefits for both nations.
While acknowledging China’s sustained support for Nigeria’s socio-economic development, particularly in infrastructure, energy, trade, and capacity building, Ahmed assured of Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and providing an enabling environment for foreign investments.
Ahmed who made this known Tuesday in Abuja when he received the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Yu Dunhai in his office noted that Nigeria’s foreign policy remains consistent, neutral, and guided by its national interest.
Speaking during the visit, Mr. Yu noted the steady growth of bilateral ties between the two nations, revealing that the trade volume between both countries has significantly increased, surpassing 28 billion United States dollars in recent years.
Yu stated that the partnership has evolved into a comprehensive strategic relationship characterized by deep political trust and mutually beneficial cooperation. He made reference to ongoing and completed projects, including port development, industrial zones, and hydropower initiatives, which have contributed to Nigeria’s economic growth, job creation, opening of development corridors, and spreading of prosperity.
Yu also hinted on the ongoing discussions on economic partnership frameworks, including trade facilitation measures and tariff arrangements aimed at boosting Nigeria’s exports and supporting industrialisation.
In a discussion that reaffirmed the enduring strategic partnership between both countries, Yu and Ahmed underlined the importance of sustaining high-level engagements and institutional mechanisms such as intergovernmental consultations, which serve as platforms for advancing cooperation in key sectors.
They jointly reiterated both nations commitment to supporting each other on issues of mutual interest at the international level.
Yu appreciated Nigeria’s consistent adherence to the One-China Policy and expressed confidence in continued collaboration within global governance frameworks. Ahmed, in response, reaffirmed Nigeria’s principled foreign policy stance of non-alignment, peaceful coexistence, and respect for international law.
The meeting discussed emerging global developments with both sides acknowledging the evolving and increasingly complex international environment and stressed the need for enhanced cooperation among developing countries to promote peace, stability, and equitable global governance.
Yu and Ahmed expressed optimism on the future of China, Nigeria relations and agreed to continue working closely to consolidate gains and explore new areas of cooperation for the mutual benefit of their peoples in the new era.
