Nigeria has restated its support for the One-China principle and called for deeper economic cooperation with China in trade, investment, infrastructure and technology.
The position was delivered on Wednesday in Abuja during a reception marking the 77th anniversary of the establishment of the People’s Republic of China.
Diplomatic stance on Taiwan#
China’s ruling Communist Party regards Taiwan as a breakaway province. Beijing has warned that any formal declaration of independence would be a red line met with military force, and it maintains that Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory. It has also warned against what it describes as attempts by some countries to promote Taiwan independence.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe, congratulated President Xi Jinping and the Chinese people on the anniversary.
Tinubu said Nigeria and China have built a strong partnership since formal diplomatic relations began in 1971, with cooperation now covering infrastructure, energy, healthcare, technical training and trade.
He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s position that the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing China.
“Let me reaffirm, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria’s steadfast commitment to the One-China principle,” he said.
Economic priorities for Nigeria#
Tinubu acknowledged China’s advances in manufacturing, scientific development, high-speed rail and renewable energy, as well as its progress in reducing extreme poverty after economic reforms that began in 1978.
He expressed appreciation for China’s role in deep-sea port development, railway modernisation and power infrastructure expansion in Nigeria.
He said future cooperation should focus on strengthening Nigerian production capacity and technical skills, and that Chinese investment should equip Nigerian engineers and technicians to operate and maintain infrastructure built through the partnership.
Tinubu welcomed China’s zero-tariff policy for African countries that have diplomatic relations with Beijing. He said Nigeria should use the policy to raise domestic production and increase exports to the Chinese market.
“Our shared task is to translate that asset into stronger Nigerian production and Nigerian exports to China,” he said.
He also pointed to recent export agreements between the two countries as a way to broaden Nigeria’s economic benefits from the relationship.
Trade figures and Chinese cooperation#
Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Yu Dunhai said bilateral relations had entered a new phase of practical cooperation. He noted that 2026 will mark 55 years of diplomatic ties, and that the relationship became a comprehensive strategic partnership after ties were elevated in 2024.
Cooperation now spans trade, investment, infrastructure, energy, technology and cultural exchanges, Yu said.
Bilateral trade reached $18 billion in the first half of 2026, a 35 percent increase, with a significant rise in Chinese imports from Nigeria, according to the ambassador.
Yu said China’s zero-tariff initiative would give African countries greater access to the Chinese market and create export opportunities. He said China was ready to align its development plans with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in industrialisation, digital development and the green and blue economies.
He also highlighted possible cooperation in artificial intelligence, renewable energy and other emerging technologies, and commended Nigeria’s economic reforms and business environment improvements.
“Those who walk the same path go far,” he said.
The reception brought together government officials, diplomats, business leaders and other stakeholders to mark China’s national anniversary and the Nigeria-China partnership.
