President Bola Tinubu met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria-China relations. The meeting culminated in the elevation of bilateral ties to a “comprehensive strategic partnership,” a step that underscores the growing importance of the relationship between the two nations.
The announcement was made in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale. According to the statement, both leaders expressed their commitment to building a high-level Nigeria-China community with a shared future, focusing on enhanced cooperation in various sectors.
During the meeting, President Tinubu emphasized the historical significance of Nigeria-China relations, which have endured for over 50 years. He highlighted Nigeria’s strategic importance as Africa’s most populous nation and its largest economy, driven by a youthful population poised to spur economic growth and innovation.
“This is an important visit for Nigeria and the rest of Africa, as I arrive in my capacity as the Chairman of ECOWAS. I thank you for the high level of honour accorded to us,” Tinubu said. “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.”
He further noted that the upgraded relationship now transcends mere strategic partnership, evolving into a comprehensive developmental partnership aimed at fostering robust development, stability, and security across the West African sub-region.
President Tinubu also shared insights into his administration’s ongoing economic reforms, drawing parallels with President Xi’s transformative efforts in China. He assured his Chinese counterpart of Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable growth through diligent implementation of these reforms, particularly in areas such as tax, tariff reviews, and broader economic policies.
“We believe that President Xi has demonstrably reformed the Chinese economy, and our reform programme in Nigeria is on a similar course. I am a reformer with verifiable antecedents. We have recognized the need to reform our economy, and we are doing so diligently across tax and tariff reviews, to various other segments of our nation’s economy,” Tinubu stated. He added that Nigeria remains open to trading and investment partners, ensuring seamless entry and exit of investments.
President Xi, in his remarks, acknowledged the strong mutual understanding between Nigeria and China over the past five decades. He highlighted the importance of strategic coordination between the two nations, noting that such collaboration would not only bolster China-Africa relations but also serve as a model for cooperation among countries in the Global South.
“We have found the path of seeking collective strength, through unity, and win-win cooperation,” Xi said. He also pointed to the upcoming 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit as an opportunity to reflect on the progress of China-Africa relations and to further consolidate the bond between the two regions.
President Xi pledged that China and Nigeria would continue to work closely within the FOCAC framework, setting an example of successful international cooperation.
