Nigeria commends China’s transformation, socio-economic progress at 77

By Ochiaka Ugwu

Nigerian government has commended the People’s Republic of China’s remarkable journey of nation-building and national development, noting it was marked by the resilience of its people and institutions, with sustained commitment to transformation and socio-economic progress.

In a press statement released Thursday in Abuja signed by Spokesperson of Nigerian Foreign Ministry, Oluwafemi Adeniyi congratulating China on its 77th year celebration of its founding, it noted that Nigeria and China have continued to enjoy cordial relations, anchored on mutual respect, shared interests and a strong commitment to deepening partnerships for the mutual benefit of both countries and their peoples since the establishment of relations in 1971.

While noting the bilateral relations have continued to expand across political, economic, social and cultural spheres over the decades, it stated that growing partnership encompasses a broad range of areas, including trade and investment, infrastructural development, energy, agriculture, defence, development cooperation, solid minerals development and culture, among other areas of mutual interest.

It informed the determination of both countries to further elevate and consolidate their growing relations culminated in the establishment of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in September 2024, which is providing important framework for advancing mutual aspirations, deepening practical cooperation and promoting shared prosperity.

It further stated that Nigeria and China maintained close collaboration at the multilateral level, working together to advance international peace and security, promote sustainable development, and address common global challenges, maintaining that through cooperation in multilateral fora, both countries have continued to strengthen solidarity among developing countries within the framework of South-South Cooperation, and support efforts towards a more inclusive and equitable international system.

It announced Nigeria’s welcoming of the ongoing bilateral initiatives with China aimed at supporting Nigeria industrialisation and value addition agenda, expanding trade and investment, advancing renewable energy and digital economy, and enhancing access for Nigerian products to the Chinese market.

It emphasized the recent engagements have underscored the importance of implementing the outcomes of the 2024 FOCAC Beijing Summit as well as maximizing the opportunities presented by China’s zero-tariff policy for African countries, consistent with the principle of South-South Cooperation and mutually beneficial economic partnership.

It also highlighted that the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China commemorated this year provides an important opportunity to consolidate the gains of existing partnerships, identify new areas of practical cooperation, and further strengthen mutual understanding through enhanced people-to-people and institutional exchanges.

However, Nigerian government wished Chinese President, Xi Jinping as well as the Government and people of China continued peace, prosperity and progress.