Nigeria, China Strengthen Ties In Digital Economy, Renewable Energy
NIGERIA and China have reaffirmed plans to expand cooperation in renewable energy, the digital economy and agriculture as both countries celebrate 55 years of diplomatic relations.
The renewed commitment was announced at a reception in Lagos marking the Chinese New Year and the anniversary of bilateral ties, first established in 1971.
Expanding Strategic Partnership
Chairman of the House Committee on Nigeria–China Relations, Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu, described the relationship as one built on mutual respect, non-interference and shared development goals.
He said China remains one of Nigeria’s key partners in infrastructure development, technology transfer, industrialisation, education and cultural exchange. According to him, the partnership has delivered visible results, including rail and road construction, power projects and growth in manufacturing and digital innovation.
Yakubu said the National Assembly would continue to strengthen legislative cooperation and refine bilateral frameworks to ensure that agreements remain transparent, sustainable and beneficial to Nigerians.
He added that policymakers are focused on promoting investment-friendly policies capable of generating jobs and supporting Nigeria’s long-term economic transformation.
New Frontiers in Energy and Technology
The lawmaker identified renewable energy, healthcare, science and technology, agriculture and human capital development as areas offering fresh opportunities for collaboration. He noted that deeper cooperation in these sectors would reinforce South-South partnerships and contribute to broader global development.
In her remarks, the Chinese Consul General in Lagos, Ms. Yan Yuqing, said 2025 marked important milestones in bilateral relations, including increased high-level diplomatic exchanges and stronger economic engagement.
She disclosed that Nigeria participated in major Chinese trade exhibitions, while more Chinese enterprises expanded investments across the country.
Infrastructure and Trade Gains
Yuqing highlighted several infrastructure projects delivered through cooperation between both countries. These include the Abuja Greater Water Supply Project, which she said improved potable water access for about three million residents, and the growing operational capacity of the Lekki Deep Sea Port.
She also noted record passenger and freight traffic on the Lagos–Ibadan Railway and the Lagos Light Rail, describing them as significant boosts to mobility and cargo transportation.
The envoy said China’s economy continued steady growth, surpassing RMB 140 trillion in GDP, and remained a driver of global expansion and innovation, particularly in artificial intelligence, aerospace and semiconductor technology.
She reaffirmed China’s commitment to high-level opening-up and to sharing development opportunities with Nigeria and Africa, while also pointing to expanding cooperation between Chinese provinces and Nigerian states.
Both sides expressed optimism that the next phase of relations would deepen economic transformation, strengthen people-to-people exchanges and unlock new growth frontiers in emerging sectors.
