Nigeria and China Elevate Ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

President Bola Tinubu and Chinese President Xi Jinping announced the upgrade of Nigeria-China relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership during a meeting in Beijing on Tuesday. This agreement signifies a deeper collaboration between the two nations, aimed at enhancing mutual development and economic cooperation.

The announcement came ahead of President Tinubu’s participation in the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit, scheduled from September 4-6, 2024. Tinubu emphasized the importance of strengthening the bilateral relationship to support trade and economic development. He highlighted Nigeria’s potential as Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy, stressing the significance of this upgraded partnership for regional stability and progress.

“Relations between China and Nigeria have indeed lasted for over half a century and should be further strengthened to advance our trade and economic development programmes,” Tinubu said. He expressed commitment to ongoing economic reforms in Nigeria, drawing parallels with China’s successful reform trajectory.

President Xi praised the long-standing mutual understanding between Nigeria and China, noting that the upgraded partnership will enhance strategic coordination and foster progress among Global South countries. He affirmed that China and Nigeria would continue to collaborate closely within the FOCAC framework.

During the meeting, both leaders witnessed the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) covering various areas of cooperation:

• A plan to promote the Belt and Road Initiative
• Cooperation on the peaceful application of nuclear energy
• Strengthening human resource development under the Global Development Initiative
• Media exchange and cooperation, including a partnership between China Media Group and the Nigerian Television Authority

President Tinubu also visited key infrastructure and technology sites in Beijing. At the China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC), he commended the company’s contributions to Nigeria’s infrastructure, particularly ongoing railway projects. CRCC has been involved in Nigeria for 43 years, implementing over 300 projects and training more than 100,000 local workers.

Additionally, Tinubu visited Huawei Technologies’ Beijing Research Centre, where Huawei introduced the DigiTruck initiative—a mobile ICT classroom designed to enhance digital literacy in underserved Nigerian communities. Huawei plans to operate the DigiTruck in 10 states annually, training at least 3,000 students each year.

Huawei’s Chairman, Mr. Liang Hua, expressed support for Nigeria’s digital development agenda and its National Talent Export Programme (NATEP). The company also plans to establish a joint PV test lab with Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to advance solar energy projects.