By Deborah Nnamdi
The Federal Government has called on China to extend its recent trade tariff removal to Nigeria, as it has done for 33 other African countries.
According to a statement from her media aide, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made the appeal during a recent meeting with the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai.
She emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to industrialization and economic diversification, urging 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 pointed out the growing interest among Nigerian youths in learning the Chinese language, emphasizing the importance of cultural exchange in strengthening bilateral relations.
In response, Ambassador Dunhai reaffirmed China’s commitment to deepening its partnership with Nigeria, describing the country as a strategic ally.
He noted that trade between both nations exceeded $21 billion last year, with Nigerian exports to China increasing by 25%.
“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 crucial role of manufacturing in industrialization and highlighted the recently renewed $2 billion currency swap agreement, which he said would further boost trade and investment between the two countries.
