By Hammeed M. Bello
China’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Yu Dunhai has revealed that Nigeria remains China’s largest project contracting market, the second largest export market, third largest trading partner, and a major investment destination in Africa.
Ambassador Dunhai made the revelation recently in Abuja, Nigeria, during a reception to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of China.
The event was attended by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, some state government officials, Senators, and key stakeholders in Nigeria.
According to Dunhai, in 2023, the bilateral trade between China and Nigeria reached $22.5 billion.
“Our practical cooperation has achieved fruitful results in areas such as infrastructure, investment, trade, agriculture and green economy, covering projects for the aviation, on the land and in the sea,” Dunhai said.
He noted that the projects have brought tangible benefits to both Chinese and Nigerian people, and provided concrete support for Nigeria’s social and economic development.
“Lately I accompanied President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his first state visit to China since he took office and his attendance at the FOCAC Summit. The visit was a great success. The two sides exchanged views on a wide range of issues, and achieved much mutual understanding.
“Our two Presidents agreed to upgrade China-Nigeria relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This is yet another important milestone in our bilateral relations after we established the Strategic Partnership in 2005.
“President Tinubu’s visit to China has heralded a new era in our bilateral relations and opened up a new prospect for our practical cooperation.
“Our two sides also signed more than 10 cooperation documents, which will facilitate greater synergies between Belt and Road and FOCAC cooperation with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Eight Priority Areas.
“Going forward, we aim to jointly build more roads, railways, airports, power grids and base stations, and will witness their extensions to your beloved communities and hometowns,” Ambassador Dunhai said.
He also gave indication that more blue and green projects targeting future development, which will contribute to a happier and brighter future for Nigerians are on the way.
While citing a Nigerian proverb as illustration, Dunhai noted that China would be proud to be a great partner with Nigeria on our way to achieving common development and modernization.
“Indeed, we have so much in common. Both China and Nigeria are proud of our splendid cultures, hardworking and kind-hearted people, and tremendous development potential.
“October 1st is both China’s National Day and Nigeria’s Independence Day, which is a unique bond linking our two countries. We are both “ancient yet young countries”, and now we are both marching forward with confidence toward modernization,” he said.
He called on both countries to continue to work with a common purpose, strive to build a community with a shared future.
