By Nkechi Eze
China and Nigeria have taken fresh steps to strengthen their long-standing diplomatic and economic cooperation as Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Yu Dunhai, met with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, on December 3, 2025. The meeting, held in Abuja, marked another significant engagement in the steadily expanding relationship between both nations.
The Chinese Embassy disclosed that Ambassador Yu reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to advancing the China–Nigeria comprehensive strategic partnership, which he said has “entered the fast-track” due to concerted efforts from both sides. He explained that the recently released Recommendations of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan reflect China’s renewed commitment to high-standard opening-up and willingness to share development opportunities with partner countries, including Nigeria.
According to Ambassador Yu, China and Nigeria have consistently demonstrated mutual understanding and support on matters relating to each other’s core national interests. He further reiterated China’s support for Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts, noting that peace and stability remain crucial to Nigeria’s development trajectory.
Ambassador Yu also revealed that China is prepared to work closely with Nigeria to fast-track the implementation of zero-tariff treatment for Nigerian exports into the Chinese market. He added that both countries would begin preparing for two key diplomatic milestones: the 55th anniversary of China–Nigeria diplomatic relations and the 2026 China–Africa Year of Cultural Exchanges. These initiatives, he emphasized, will help consolidate strategic mutual trust, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and deliver greater socioeconomic benefits to citizens of both countries.
In his response, Foreign Minister Tuggar described China as Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner and stressed that Abuja places strong priority on expanding relations with Beijing. He expressed appreciation for China’s continued support toward Nigeria’s economic and social development. Tuggar reiterated Nigeria’s firm adherence to the one-China principle and outlined the country’s readiness to enhance alignment of development strategies with China.
The Minister noted that Nigeria seeks to broaden cooperation in key sectors such as manufacturing, trade, and investment, with the aim of elevating bilateral relations to a new phase marked by increased industrial growth, technology transfer, and expanded commercial opportunities.
