Nigeria and China have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, with Vice President Kashim Shettima announcing that trade between the two nations reached $22.6 billion in 2023, making it one of the highest in Africa.
Shettima made this declaration while receiving a Chinese delegation led by Zhang Qingwei, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, on Wednesday.
The Vice President expressed satisfaction with the steady increase in trade between Nigeria and China, citing a bilateral relationship that dates back to 1971.
According to Shettima, the trade relationship between Nigeria and China is growing by 33 percent every year, with the Nigerian economy picking up despite challenges.
He reassured the Chinese delegation of Nigeria’s support, stating, “We believe in you, we respect you, and we cherish our relationship.”
“Last year in 2023, our trade relations with China got to $22.6 billion, one of the highest in Africa, if not the highest, and that trade relationship is growing by 33 percent every year,” he said.
“Mind you, the Nigerian economy is picking up but that did not stop our business relationship with China.
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“Nigeria and China have enjoyed warm bilateral relations for 53 years, dating back to 1971, and this friendship is evident in the numerous high-level visits between the two nations, including the recent visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to China in September 2024.
“These visits have fostered deeper cooperation and strengthened ties between the two nations.”
The Vice President also highlighted the importance of Nigeria and China supporting each other politically, emphasizing the need for greater South-South cooperation.
He called for greater engagement between the two nations, saying, “This is the time when there should be greater South-South cooperation. There should be greater engagement between China and Nigeria. For us, it is also time to strengthen ties.”
Shettima assured the Chinese delegation of Nigeria’s support for the ‘One China’ policy and expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome its security challenges with China’s support.
He emphasized the need for cooperation, stating, “There can never be peace without development, and there can never be development without peace.”
The Chinese delegation, led by Qingwei, reciprocated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. Qingwei announced that China is ready to move its relationship with Nigeria to a new level, describing it as a new chapter in their partnership.
He highlighted the importance of political support between the two nations, citing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to economic diversification.
He said, “In September this year, President Tinubu attended the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and also had a State visit,” he said.
“President Tinubu and Xi Jinping jointly announced to elevate Nigeria-China relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, opening a new chapter of relations.
“China stands ready to work with Nigeria to implement the important consensus between our leaders on the outcome of the summit and elevate Nigeria-China relations to a new height.”
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