China and Nigeria Elevate Ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

By Iyojo Ameh

In a bid to strengthen economic cooperation and development, China and Nigeria have announced the elevation of their bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

This significant development follows a high-level meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu in Beijing on Tuesday.

The announcement comes ahead of the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit and signals a deepening of the diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations.

President Xi Jinping underscored the mutual benefits of this partnership, stating, “We have found the path of seeking collective strength, unity, and win-win cooperation. I propose elevating our bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.”

Echoing Xi’s sentiments, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of this partnership for regional development and stability. “The strategic partnership should foster regional development, peace, stability, and security in West Africa,” Tinubu stated. He praised the longstanding diplomatic relationship between China and Nigeria, which spans over 50 years, and highlighted Nigeria’s potential as Africa’s most populous country with a burgeoning young population driving economic growth.

During the meeting, President Xi reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s economic reforms, saying, “I am ready to work with Mr. President to fully unleash the exemplary role of China-Nigeria cooperation.” Tinubu, in turn, expressed his gratitude and noted that this was his second official visit to China, having previously visited during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State.

“This visit is highly significant for Nigeria and the broader ECOWAS region,” Tinubu said. “China and Nigeria have enjoyed a robust relationship for over half a century, and this upgrade to our partnership is vital for addressing developmental challenges and advancing trade and economic development.”

The meeting culminated in the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering Belt and Road Initiative projects, news exchange cooperation, and television cooperation. Tinubu highlighted the importance of economic reforms in Nigeria, noting that these measures are essential for achieving sustainable growth.

President Tinubu was accompanied by several notable Nigerian officials, including His Excellency AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, Executive Governor of Kwara State; His Excellency Senator Uba Sani, Executive Governor of Kaduna State; Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs; and His Excellency Mohammed Badaru, Honourable Minister of Defence.