Nigeria, China Set for High-Stakes July Talks as Abuja Targets Bigger Trade, Investment Gains By Raymond Enoch
Nigeria and China will hold a crucial political consultation meeting in July 2026 in a move expected to deepen bilateral ties, expand trade and fast-track cooperation in key sectors, including infrastructure, industrialisation, agriculture, technology and security.
The development was disclosed in a press statement signed by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, following a meeting between the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, and the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, in Abuja.
During the meeting, Ambassador Ahmed reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with the People’s Republic of China, describing the relationship as central to Nigeria’s foreign policy and economic development agenda. He stressed that sustained consultations and stronger coordination ahead of the July meeting would help both countries align priorities and deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
The Permanent Secretary explained that the consultations would also prepare the ground for the Nigeria-China Sub-Committee Meeting, which is expected to review ongoing projects and identify new opportunities for collaboration.
On his part, Ambassador Yu said the forthcoming consultations would assess progress made in implementing agreements reached during President Bola Tinubu’s State Visit to China, as well as other bilateral commitments entered into by both countries since then.
He highlighted China’s growing contributions to Nigeria’s infrastructure development, railway modernisation, industrialisation, power generation and trade, describing the partnership as one that continues to deliver tangible benefits for both nations.
The Chinese envoy also pointed to the impact of China’s zero-tariff policy for eligible Nigerian exports, which came into effect on 1 May 2026. According to him, the policy has already boosted Nigerian exports into the Chinese market and is expected to attract greater investment, stimulate industrial growth and create more employment opportunities.
Beyond economic cooperation, Ambassador Yu reaffirmed China’s readiness to expand collaboration with Nigeria in regional peace and security, counter-terrorism, multilateral affairs, artificial intelligence governance, education, cultural exchanges and youth development.
He further commended the efforts of the Federal Government and Nigerian security agencies in tackling security challenges affecting foreign nationals and investments, while encouraging sustained measures to provide a stable and secure environment for businesses.
Responding, Ambassador Ahmed restated Nigeria’s commitment to the One-China Policy and pledged deeper collaboration with China in industrialisation, agriculture, information and communication technology, transportation, education, healthcare and human capital development.
He said the Federal Government remains committed to promoting value addition, local manufacturing and technology-driven economic growth as part of its broader economic transformation agenda.
The meeting ended with both countries expressing confidence that the July political consultation would further strengthen the Nigeria-China comprehensive strategic partnership and accelerate the pursuit of shared development goals.
