Charles Esther
The Nigerian government has reiterated its support for the One-China principle, emphasizing its importance for the country’s manufacturing and overall socio-economic development.
This declaration was made in Abuja by Mr. Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), during a visit by a delegation from China’s Guangxi People’s Congress.
High-Level Chinese Delegation Visits Nigeria
The delegation was led by Zhang Xiaoqin, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of Guangxi People’s Congress.
They were accompanied by Mr. Zhou Hongyou, Head of Mission at the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria.
Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership Focus
Welcoming the delegation, NCSP Director-General Tegbe reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to the One-China principle and highlighted the country’s long-standing relations with China, recently elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership at FOCAC 2024.
He outlined the NCSP’s mandate, including monitoring 55 FOCAC-agreed projects, overseeing strategic national projects, and coordinating presidential initiatives across seven key sectors.
Future Collaboration Plans
Tegbe pledged to visit Guangxi soon to learn from China’s high-scale modernization model.
He welcomed Guangxi as a new partner alongside Hunan Province and promised close collaboration to explore immediate opportunities, particularly in manufacturing equipment, agriculture, and fruit production and processing.
Guangxi Delegation Highlights Opportunities
Vice Chairman Zhang Xiaoqin thanked Tegbe for hosting the delegation and emphasized Guangxi’s readiness to deepen cooperation with Nigeria.
He highlighted Guangxi’s role as a strategic regional hub in southern China, noting the successful hosting of the China-ASEAN Expo and a 21% growth in trade with Nigeria last year, reaching USD 320 million.
Zhang also invited Nigerian businesses and tourists to explore Guangxi’s strengths in fruit production, tourism, digital economy, and mining.
Chinese Embassy Support
Mr. Zhou Hongyou of the Chinese Embassy expressed satisfaction with the visit and highlighted cultural and economic similarities between Guangxi and Nigeria, expressing optimism for stronger cooperation in the future.
