China has invited Nigeria to join a global artificial intelligence cooperation platform as Beijing moves to expand its strategic partnership with Abuja beyond infrastructure and conventional trade into artificial intelligence, digital technology, industrialisation and the green and blue economies.
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, made the proposal in Abuja on Wednesday at a reception marking the anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
Yu said China was prepared to align its 15th Five-Year Plan with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, identifying industrialisation and emerging technologies as major areas for deeper bilateral cooperation.
He specifically invited Nigeria to join the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, saying participation would provide an opportunity for the country to engage more actively in global technological development.
The overture came against the backdrop of rapidly expanding economic ties between the two countries. Yu disclosed that bilateral trade reached $18 billion in the first half of 2026, representing a 35 per cent increase, while Chinese imports from Nigeria rose by 81 per cent.
The figures highlight the growing scale of Nigeria-China economic relations while underscoring the need for Nigeria to convert increased market access and technology partnerships into stronger domestic production, value addition and export capacity.
Yu also drew attention to China’s zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries, describing the policy as an opportunity for African producers to expand their access to the Chinese market.
According to him, the measure contributed to a 24 per cent increase in Chinese imports from Africa in May and June, although Nigerian producers would need to meet the requisite quality, supply and market standards to take full advantage of the expanding market.
The ambassador commended the economic policies of the Tinubu administration, saying structural reforms, macroeconomic stabilisation measures and efforts to improve the business environment had created conditions for deeper economic cooperation between Nigeria and China.
“Our future cooperation holds boundless potential,” Yu said, stressing the importance of innovation, openness and cooperation in advancing relations between the two countries.
The renewed focus on technology and industrialisation comes as Nigeria and China commemorate 55 years of diplomatic relations. Their partnership has evolved from traditional trade and diplomatic engagement into extensive cooperation in infrastructure, energy, transportation, healthcare and technical development.
Reflecting on his two years in Nigeria, Yu also praised the resilience of Nigerians, describing the “Naija spirit” as a quality that had impressed him during his travels across the country.
He said relations between Beijing and Abuja had entered a new phase under the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Tinubu.
On China’s economy, Yu said it grew by 4.7 per cent in the first half of 2026, supported by emerging sectors including artificial intelligence, robotics and innovative pharmaceuticals.
He also highlighted China’s wider international initiatives in data and artificial intelligence, saying they formed part of Beijing’s efforts to promote technological cooperation with developing countries.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General of the Nigeria-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, acknowledged China’s contribution to Nigeria’s infrastructure and economic development.
Tegbe cited the Lekki Deep Sea Port, railway modernisation and the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Station among major projects in which Chinese investment, financing and engineering had played significant roles.
He said Nigeria also valued Chinese cooperation in healthcare, people-to-people exchanges and technical trade.
Tegbe welcomed China’s zero-tariff programme for Nigerian producers and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the One-China policy, recognising the Government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal representative of China.
Also speaking, National Chairman of the Allied Peoples Movement and Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Yusuf Dantalle, urged Nigerians to draw lessons from China’s long-term development experience.
Dantalle said China’s economic transformation had involved sacrifice, discipline, political stability and sustained emphasis on collective development.
The latest Chinese proposal places artificial intelligence, digital innovation and market access at the centre of the next phase of Nigeria-China relations, potentially broadening a partnership long associated with infrastructure into technology-driven industrial development and new value chains.
