The Federal Government has urged China to extend its recent trade tariff removal to Nigeria, as it has done for 33 other African nations.
According to a statement from her media aide, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made the appeal during a meeting with the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai.
She emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to industrialization and economic diversification, calling for China’s support in key sectors such as electric vehicle assembly, digital technology, renewable energy, and agriculture.
“Nigeria has enjoyed a robust relationship with China for over five decades. Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, our priority is economic diversification and industrialization,” she stated.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu acknowledged China’s significant role in Nigeria’s infrastructure development, particularly in roads and railways. She also highlighted Nigeria’s efforts to modernize its power sector and ports to attract more investment.
Additionally, she noted the increasing interest among Nigerian youths in learning the Chinese language, stressing the importance of cultural exchange in strengthening bilateral ties.
In response, Ambassador Dunhai reaffirmed China’s commitment to deepening its partnership with Nigeria, describing the country as a strategic ally.
He revealed that trade between both nations surpassed $21 billion last year, with Nigerian exports to China increasing by 25 per cent.
“China sees Nigeria as a great nation and a key player on the global stage. We support Nigeria’s inclusion in the G-20 and will continue to foster cooperation in trade, infrastructure, and financial partnerships,” he said.
Dunhai also emphasized the critical role of manufacturing in industrialization and highlighted the recently renewed $2 billion currency swap agreement, which he said would further enhance trade and investment between the two countries.
