By Gabriel Ameh
Nigeria, China Reaffirm Strategic Partnership in Abuja Meeting.
Nigeria and China have reaffirmed their longstanding strategic partnership following a high-level meeting between the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, and the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, in Abuja.
The meeting, held at the Ministry’s headquarters, highlighted the strong diplomatic and economic ties between both countries, built on mutual respect, non-interference, and shared development goals.
This was contained in a statement signed by Mr. Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Spokesperson
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Abuja on
Wednesday 1st, April 2026
According to the statement, Ahmed commended China’s continued support for Nigeria’s development, particularly in critical sectors such as infrastructure, energy, trade, and human capacity development. He noted that the relationship has delivered measurable benefits and remains vital to Nigeria’s growth ambitions.
In his remarks, Ambassador Dunhai described Nigeria–China relations as a comprehensive strategic partnership marked by trust and mutually beneficial cooperation. He revealed that trade between both countries has grown significantly, exceeding $28 billion in recent years.
The envoy also pointed to key projects, including port development, industrial parks, and hydropower initiatives, as evidence of China’s contribution to Nigeria’s economic development and job creation.
Both parties emphasized the importance of sustained high-level engagements and institutional frameworks, including intergovernmental consultations, to further strengthen cooperation. Discussions also covered ongoing negotiations on trade facilitation and tariff arrangements aimed at boosting Nigeria’s exports and supporting industrialisation.
On global issues, Nigeria and China reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration at multilateral levels. China appreciated Nigeria’s adherence to the One-China Policy, while Nigeria reiterated its foreign policy principles of non-alignment, peaceful coexistence, and respect for international law.
The meeting also addressed evolving global challenges, with both sides stressing the need for stronger cooperation among developing countries to promote peace, stability, and balanced global governance.
Ahmed assured the Chinese envoy of Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining a conducive environment for foreign investments, noting that the country’s foreign policy remains guided by national interest and neutrality.
Both sides expressed optimism about the future of bilateral relations and pledged to explore new opportunities for cooperation that will benefit both nations.
