The Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Joseph Tegbe, has described the relationship between Nigeria and China as one founded on mutual respect, political trust and shared strategic interests.
Tegbe stated this in a policy commentary highlighting the longstanding diplomatic and economic ties between both countries, while reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to the One-China Principle.
According to him, China has remained consistent in its position that the People’s Republic of China is the only legitimate Chinese government, with Taiwan regarded as an inseparable part of its territory.
He noted that Beijing’s stance on the matter has remained unchanged despite shifts in global politics, describing it as a reflection of China’s commitment to sovereignty and national unity.
Tegbe said Nigeria’s support for the One-China Principle aligns with the country’s own foreign policy tradition, which is anchored on respect for sovereignty, non-interference and the right of nations to determine their political future.
He recalled that Nigeria and China established diplomatic relations in 1971 and have since maintained what he described as a principled and stable partnership.
The NCSP Director-General also referenced the meeting between President Bola Tinubu and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing in 2024, where both leaders reaffirmed their strategic partnership.
According to him, Nigeria reiterated its recognition of the Government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal authority representing China and reaffirmed support for China’s pursuit of national reunification.
Tegbe further noted that the position has equally been reinforced by the National Assembly, citing recent remarks by the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on China-Nigeria Parliamentary Relations, Hon. Jafar Yakubu, who reportedly described Nigeria’s stance as consistent with international law and existing bilateral agreements.
He said Nigeria’s diplomatic consistency over the years has strengthened political trust between both countries and created opportunities for deeper economic cooperation.
According to Tegbe, the mandate of the NCSP is to transform that trust into broader economic gains through increased manufacturing investment, technology transfer, industrial development and export-oriented production.
He observed that China has already played significant roles in the development of Nigeria’s railway systems, port infrastructure, energy projects, telecommunications networks and industrial capacity.
However, he stressed that there remains greater potential for collaboration, particularly in Nigeria’s digital economy, solid minerals sector, agro-processing industry and consumer market.
Tegbe said the NCSP would continue to deepen bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, technology transfer and capacity building with the objective of delivering measurable economic benefits to Nigeria.
