Nigeria recommits to One-China Principle, targets $46bn trade volume

By Ochiaka Ugwu

Nigeria has once again strongly reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to One-China Principle stating it remains the bedrock of the enduring friendship that continues to guide its comprehensive strategic partnership with China.

This was made known during the 2026 “Happy Chinese New Year” Temple Fair held at the Chinese Cultural Centre, Abuja, which was also used to celebrate the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China that started in 1971.

Reaffirming the strong commitment to One-China Principle, Director General & Global Liaison of Nigeria-China strategic partnership (NCSP), Joseph Tegbe said China-Nigeria relationship for the past 55 years had evolved from cordial diplomatic ties into a robust partnership that positively impacts the lives of ordinary Nigerians and Chinese alike.

According to Tsegbe, “Nigeria reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the One-China Principle. This principle remains the bedrock of our enduring friendship and continues to guide our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with China.

“Over the past fifty-five years, our relationship has evolved from cordial diplomatic ties into a robust partnership that positively impacts the lives of ordinary Nigerians and Chinese alike” he said.

While thanking China for the offer of zero tariff on export which he described as a landmark achievement between China and Africa, Tsegbe informed on the intention of doubling current China, Nigeria gross trade of $23bn in the next five years.

“These initiatives go beyond infrastructure and trade; they are fundamentally about people. We currently do $23 billion dollars in gross trade between Nigeria and China; our deliberate intent is to double it in five years with a proper trade balance” he noted.

He said the event was not only about celebrating past achievements, but delivering on projects that will define shared future, in line with the bold and audacious initiatives President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He acknowledged the immense contributions of the Government of China and Chinese enterprises to Nigeria’s infrastructural rebirth, from the ongoing rail revolution to landmark projects such as the Lekki Deep Sea Port where Chinese enterprise invested over $1.1bn, among many others that continue to reshape Nigerian economic landscape.

“Inspired by China’s remarkable achievements in food security, as observed during NCSP’s engagement visit in 2025, the Federal Government of Nigeria has launched the National Integrated Poultry Project. With an initial combined investment of approximately $1billion, the pilot phase is set to commence in Kaduna, Oyo and Enugu States and will be expanded to states in other geopolitical zones of Nigeria in the coming year.

“When completed within the next one year, the project will deliver a combined output of six million eggs daily, house over seven million laying birds and more than two million broilers, and cultivate over 60,000 hectares of maize and soybeans. Beyond feedstock for the farms, this initiative will support existing farmers through subsidized feedstock. It is conceived by Nigeria and Chinese government under the leadership of President Tinubu. This project is not merely about food security, it is about jobs, dignity, and opportunity for Nigerians.

“The revitalization of Ajaokuta Steel Complex marks another inspiring chapter in our partnership. Long a symbol of unrealized potential, Ajaokuta is now poised for renewal through collaboration with China. With an expected output of 10 million metric tonnes per annum, a revitalized Ajaokuta will transform Nigeria’s economic trajectory, powering industries, creating jobs, and positioning Nigeria as a leading manufacturing and innovation hub in Africa” he stated.

In his remarks, Chargé d’ Affaires of Embassy of China to Nigeria, Zhou Hongyou said the “Happy Chinese New Year” Temple Fair was a vivid practice of Global Civilization Initiative proposed by Chinese President, Xi Jinping, and an active effort to promote in-depth dialogue and mutual learning between Chinese civilization and Nigerian civilization.

Zhou said the event would play an important role in consolidating public support for mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Nigeria.

Also speaking, Deputy Secretary-General of the Chinese Wushu Association, Mr. Fu Bo said Wushu originated from China, but belongs to the world and strengthens the body, embodies the philosophies of “harmony between man and nature” and the Chinese national character of “self-improvement”.

Continuing, he said Wushu was highly consistent with the philosophy of peaceful coexistence, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation between China and Nigeria.

While revealing that among the 162 members of the International Wushu Federation, 42 were from Africa, Fu announced that Wushu will make its debut as an official sport at the 4th Youth Olympic Games in Dakar this November.

Cultural Counselor of Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and Director of China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Mr. Yang Jianxing, thanked Nigerians for their continued support and encouragement, saying the friendship between China and Nigeria was like one big family.

He said, “Together we will continue to grow and prosper”.

However, the Temple Fair featured high-level martial arts performances presented by the Chinese Wushu Association, singing and dancing by Chinese and Nigerian artists.

Participants were treated with original Chinese cuisine, traditional Chinese culture such as tea ceremony, calligraphy and traditional Chinese medicine, and visit the photo exhibition on Chinese Spring Festival culture and tourism.

People also used the opportunity to learn about the activities of Chinese Embassy in Nigeria especially, the visa policies. The event showed that China and Africa are Good Partners, with China being a friend with benefits.