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By Gabriel Ameh
Nigeria, China Reaffirm Bilateral Commitment as Diplomatic Ties Mark 55 Years
Nigeria and China have renewed their commitment to stronger bilateral cooperation as both countries marked 55 years of diplomatic relations at a high-level commemorative event in Abuja.
The event, held on Wednesday, February 11, at the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), brought together diplomats, traditional rulers, government officials, political representatives, and policy stakeholders under the theme, “Nigeria–China at 55 and Beyond.” It was jointly organised by the Centre for China Studies (CCS) and the IPCR.
Among dignitaries present were His Royal Highness, the Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi II, the Director General of IPCR, the Chinese Chargé d’Affaires to Nigeria, Mr. Zhou Hongyou, serving and former ambassadors, officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Culture, and Communications, members of political parties, the media, and the public.
Speakers reflected on the history of Nigeria–China relations, which formally began on February 10, 1971, noting that the partnership has expanded steadily across trade, infrastructure development, education, healthcare, technology, cultural exchange and people-to-people relations.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, who was represented by Amb. Mohammed Haidara, Director (Asia and Pacific Division), expressed optimism about the future of Nigeria–China relations.
He noted that Nigeria’s strategic partnership with China is already producing visible results, particularly in improved trade and infrastructure development, and urged both countries to take full advantage of available opportunities for win-win cooperation.
Delivering his keynote address, Mr. Zhou Hongyou, Chinese Chargé d’Affaires, Embassy of the PRC in Nigeria, said Nigeria has emerged as China’s largest engineering construction partner, with bilateral trade reaching a record high of over 24 billion dollars in 2025.
According to him, cooperation between both countries has expanded significantly into education, healthcare, technology and cultural exchange, further strengthening diplomatic and people-to-people ties.
He also noted that China’s current development agenda, including its 15th Five-Year Plan, is aimed at building a unified national market while granting greater access to partner countries. He added that trade between China and Africa exceeded 25 billion dollars in 2025, reinforcing China’s long-term engagement with the continent.
Highlighting China’s domestic progress, the diplomat pointed to the country’s 96 percent health insurance coverage and its poverty reduction achievements since reforms began in 1978. He also referenced the expansion of higher education over the decades, with a significant rise in university graduates.
Speakers at the event recalled Africa’s historic support in restoring China’s legitimate seat at the United Nations and reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to the One China policy.
Speaking as Special Guest of Honour, His Royal Highness, Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi II, said Nigeria stands at a critical point where strategic partnerships such as the one with China can be effectively harnessed to drive economic growth, infrastructure expansion and national development.
The event also highlighted cultural similarities, longstanding diplomatic goodwill and China’s zero-tariff treatment in selected sectors as opportunities for Nigeria to expand its access to the Chinese market.
As Nigeria and China celebrate 55 years of diplomatic engagement, participants expressed optimism that the relationship will continue to deepen and deliver mutual benefits in the decades ahead.
