By Gabriel Ameh
Nigeria is seeking deeper cooperation with China to improve electricity supply, expand renewable energy and promote local manufacturing of power equipment.
Minister of Power and Director-General of the Nigeria-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Joseph Tegbe, made the call on Wednesday in Abuja at a reception organised by the Chinese Embassy to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
Tegbe said Nigeria sees significant opportunities to expand cooperation with China in the power sector, particularly in reliable electricity supply, renewable energy and the local production of power equipment.
“As Minister of Power, I see particular promise in deeper cooperation on achieving reliable electricity, renewable energy, and manufacture of power equipment in Nigeria with our cooperation with China,” he said.
The minister, however, stressed that increased Chinese investment should go beyond infrastructure development to include the training of Nigerian engineers and technicians.
He said stronger local capacity would enable Nigerian businesses and professionals to operate, maintain and eventually develop infrastructure built through international partnerships.
Tegbe also commended China’s contribution to Nigeria’s infrastructure development, citing projects such as the Lekki Deep Sea Port, railway modernisation and the Zungeru Hydropower Station.
He noted that cooperation between both countries also extends to healthcare, technical training and people-to-people exchanges.
The minister further welcomed China’s zero-tariff programme for African countries, saying it could create new opportunities for Nigerian producers and exporters.
Nigeria and China have also signed agreements covering the export of aquatic products to the Chinese market, providing another avenue for Nigerian businesses to expand production and exports.
The development comes as trade between Nigeria and China continues to grow.
Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, said bilateral trade reached $18 billion in the first half of 2026, representing a 35 per cent increase. He added that Chinese imports from Nigeria rose by 81 per cent during the period.
Yu said China’s zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries, which took effect on May 1, had created new opportunities for African exporters.
According to the ambassador, Chinese imports from Africa increased by 24 per cent in May and June, while the policy could help African countries turn their natural resources into greater industrial and export capacity.
China Embassy in Nigeria
He said China was ready to deepen cooperation with Nigeria in industrialisation, digital development and the green and blue economies.
Yu also said China was prepared to align its 15th Five-Year Plan with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, describing the future potential of China-Nigeria cooperation as “boundless.”
Tegbe reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the One-China principle and said bilateral relations should continue to be guided by mutual respect and sovereign equality.
Nigeria and China established diplomatic relations in 1971, while their relationship was elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership in September 2024.
