FOCAC: China stands ready to work with Nigeria to advance Ten Partnership Actions

FOCAC: China stands ready to work with Nigeria to advance Ten Partnership Actions

China Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening Economic and Developmental Ties with Nigeria

The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has reiterated China’s commitment to deepening its partnership with Nigeria, emphasizing the implementation of the Ten Partnership Actions for China-Africa cooperation. Speaking at a seminar in Abuja focused on advancing modernization and shared futures, Yu highlighted China's readiness to negotiate an Economic Partnership Agreement for Common Development with Nigeria to enhance mutual growth, particularly by leveraging China’s zero-tariff policy.

Yu noted that bilateral cooperation between the two nations has gained significant momentum since the meeting between Presidents Xi Jinping and Bola Tinubu in Beijing last year. He cited several joint initiatives already making progress, including the lithium processing plant in Nasarawa, the revitalization of Ajaokuta Steel Plant, and the completion of key infrastructure projects in Abuja.

He acknowledged Nigeria's continued support and praised President Tinubu's appointment of Joseph Tegbe as the Director-General of the Nigeria-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. According to Yu, this appointment strengthens the bilateral relationship further.

Yu stressed that China-Nigeria collaboration has long been a leader in China-Africa relations and affirmed China’s readiness to partner with Nigeria in implementing the Ten Partnership Actions, which span ten critical sectors such as trade, infrastructure, agriculture, public health, cultural exchange, and environmental sustainability.

He also referenced progress made since the 2023 FOCAC Beijing Summit, where the focus was on achieving the “Six Modernisations” and implementing the Ten Partnership Actions. He said this framework has led to strengthened mutual trust and expanded cooperation across the continent.

Meanwhile, Tegbe reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for these initiatives and expressed optimism about securing future funding from the $51 billion African fund portfolio. In a scholarly perspective, Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim of the University of Abuja framed China-Africa relations as a resilient alliance resisting the historical exploitation of the continent.