The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms, stating that they have boosted Nigeria’s economic recovery and created optimal conditions for deeper cooperation.
Yu made this statement on Wednesday in Abuja during an event celebrating the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, which shares its October 1st National Day with Nigeria.
Speaking at the evening reception, Ambassador Yu said, ‘We highly commend President Tinubu’s structural reforms, macroeconomic stabilisation, and business environment enhancements, which have boosted Nigeria’s economic recovery and created optimal conditions for deeper cooperation.’
Addressing Nigeria-China bilateral relations, Ambassador Yu noted that recent agreements on economic partnerships and aquatic exports have provided strong institutional support for trade expansion.
He revealed, ‘In the first half of this year, our bilateral trade reached $18 billion-up by 35%-with Chinese imports from Nigeria surging by 81%.’
Highlighting future prospects, Ambassador Yu emphasised that China is ready to align its 15th Five-Year Plan with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda across industrialisation, digital, green, and blue economies.
‘Our future cooperation holds boundless potential,’ he added. ‘We also invite Nigeria to join the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation to share in global tech development. Those who walk the same path go far. Let us empower development through innovation, openness, and sincere cooperation to continuously enrich China-Nigeria friendship and write a new chapter in China-Africa relations.’
Reflecting on his two years in the country, the envoy commended the Nigerian spirit: ‘Over these two years, I have travelled across Nigeria’s bustling cities and rural heartlands, meeting many new friends. I’ve come to appreciate even more deeply the Nigerian people’s resilient, optimistic, and self-reliant ‘Naija spirit.’ Their determined drive to seize new opportunities amid change and open new horizons through hard work fills me with heartfelt admiration.’
Celebrating 55 years of diplomatic ties, Yu noted that both nations have grown closer through mutual respect and shared success. ‘Under the strategic leadership of President Xi Jinping and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our relationship has entered the fast lane,’ he said.
On China’s ongoing growth, Yu stated, ‘To embrace China is to embrace the future, and to walk with China is to walk with opportunities. This year marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC). The CPC Central Committee introduced Xi Jinping Thought on Party Building, systematically answering how to build a long-term governing Marxist party. This offers invaluable insights for Global South nations exploring their own development paths.’
Despite global economic challenges, Yu affirmed that China’s GDP grew by 4.7% in the first half of the year, driven by emerging tech sectors like AI, robotics, and innovative pharmaceuticals. He further highlighted global initiatives led by Beijing, such as the World Data Organisation and the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation, as well as the implementation of zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries, which boosted Chinese imports from Africa by 24% in May and June.
Speaking at the event, Joseph Tegbe, Director-General of the Nigeria-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Minister of Power, said the anniversary offers an opportunity to reflect on the deep ties between the two nations.
Tegbe said, ‘Across successive administrations in both countries, we have sustained this friendship. Nigeria appreciates China’s contribution through investment, financing, and engineering to landmark projects such as the Lekki Deep Sea Port, railway modernisation, and the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Station, among many others. We equally value our cooperation in healthcare, people-to-people exchanges, and technical trade.’
He further commended China’s zero-tariff program for Nigerian producers and reaffirmed Nigeria’s steadfast commitment to the One-China policy, recognising the government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal representative of all China.
Also speaking at the event, Yusuf Dantalle, National Chairman of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), urged Nigerians to emulate the Chinese commitment to national development.
Dantalle noted, ‘What Nigeria can take away from China, first and foremost, is sacrifice. You don’t just reap immediately after planting. China did not reach its current position by chance-they sacrificed, took pain, defeated corruption, maintained political stability, and did not allow personal interests to suppress the public good. It is about community, nationalism, and believing that we can build a better future together.’
He concluded by praising China’s contribution to the global economy and supporting sustained diplomatic and economic ties.