Chinese Embassy Charge d’Affaires and NCSP DG Agree to Strengthen Nigeria–China Bilateral Ties
By The People’s Voice Nigeria News
The Director-General of the Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Mr. Joseph Tegbe, has hosted a high-powered delegation from the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, led by Mr. Zhou Hongyou, Charge d’Affaires, alongside Mr. Wang Yingqi, Minister Counsellor for Economic and Commercial Affairs, and other senior embassy officials.
Welcoming the delegation, Mr. Tegbe reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with China and restated the country’s adherence to the One-China principle. He outlined Nigeria’s ambition to significantly scale up bilateral trade, targeting a trade volume of 350 billion RMB (approximately US$50 billion) by 2030, with Nigerian exports accounting for at least 30 percent of the total volume.
Mr. Tegbe explained that this objective would be driven by the implementation of the proposed zero-tariff policy, increased export of Nigerian agricultural produce, and deeper strategic economic collaboration aimed at unlocking sustainable growth opportunities for Nigerian businesses.
In his remarks, Mr. Zhou Hongyou expressed satisfaction with the growing relationship between Nigeria and China and underscored the need to explore additional avenues for deepening economic and commercial cooperation, particularly in technology, agriculture, and human capacity development. He expressed optimism that the zero-tariff arrangement would create substantial opportunities for Nigerian exporters, boost bilateral trade volumes, and further strengthen the already robust ties between both countries.
L–R: Ms. Judy Melifonwu, Head, International Relations, Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership (NCSP); Chinese Embassy Official; Mr. Wang Yingqi, Minister Counsellor (Economic & Commercial Affairs), Embassy of the People’s Republic of China; Mr. Joseph Tegbe, Director-General, NCSP; Mr. Zhou Hongyou, Charge d’Affaires, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria; Chinese Embassy Official; Ms. Adetoun Alli-Balogun, Executive Assistant to the Director-General, NCSP; Mr. Martins Olajide, Head, Internal Operations, NCSP.
The Chinese Embassy delegation also reiterated China’s support for Nigeria’s industrialisation drive, with particular emphasis on steel development and the agricultural sector. They reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing development projects across Nigeria, aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, Mr. Tegbe felicitated with the Chinese people on the forthcoming Chinese Spring Festival, marking the Lunar New Year. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening cultural, diplomatic, and economic relations with the People’s Republic of China, toward building a more robust, sustainable, and mutually beneficial Nigeria–China partnership.
