The Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Joseph Tegbe, is leading efforts to deepen bilateral relations between Nigeria and China during a high-level visit to China.
The visit aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, focusing on fostering economic growth and sustainable development.
Mr. Tegbe led Nigerian delegation visited the headquarters of China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), where they were warmly received by the NDRC Deputy Chairman, Mr. Zhao Chenxin, alongside other senior officials, the Nigerian diplomatic corps, and key representatives of the Chinese business community.
During the visit, Mr. Tegbe is expected to formalise strategic agreements in critical sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, healthcare, mining, education, and technology. These agreements aim to boost Nigeria’s food security, harness its mineral wealth, enhance innovation, and improve cultural and institutional ties.
Additionally, the delegation is committed to supporting China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to promote infrastructure development and economic connectivity.
The NCSP visit underscores the Nigerian government’s commitment to economic diversification, technology transfer, job creation, and capacity building for youth. The strategic partnership is poised to leverage Nigeria’s abundant resources and human capital to bolster infrastructure and key industries.
Throughout the week long visit, Mr. Tegbe and his team have engaged in high-level discussions with Chinese organizations, including the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), and Power China.
Meetings with top officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the China Export-Import Bank, and the China Development Bank have also been scheduled.
The delegation’s itinerary includes visits to major infrastructure projects such as the Yangshan Deep-Sea Port and Danghai Bridge, as well as leading technology firms like Huawei and Long UAV.
A meeting with Diana Chen of the China Entrepreneurs Chamber of Commerce (CECC) is also planned to explore investment opportunities.
The visit builds on President Tinubu’s recent talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
President Xi pledged 360 billion yuan (approximately $51 billion) in financing to African nations over the next three years, alongside support for 30 infrastructure projects to enhance connectivity across the continent.
Last week, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Nigeria to reinforce the growing partnership between the two nations, with discussions focused on strengthening economic ties, boosting security cooperation, and achieving mutual developmental goals.
As Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, positions itself to become a net exporter to China within five years, this visit is a critical step in advancing trade, technology investments, and sustainable development. The growing partnership highlights Nigeria’s role as China’s key economic ally on the continent.
