By Raphael Oni
In a significant move to bolster economic cooperation and development, President Xi Jinping of China and President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria met in Beijing on Tuesday to declare their readiness to work together. The meeting, held ahead of the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit, marked a new chapter in China-Nigeria relations.
The Chinese leader, “We have found the path of seeking collective strength, unity, and win-win cooperation. I propose elevating our bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.”
This sentiment was echoed by Tinubu, who noted that the strategic partnership should result in regional development, peace, stability, and security in West Africa.
The two leaders acknowledged the diplomatic ties that span over 50 years between China and Nigeria, built on mutual understanding and cooperation.
Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s potential as Africa’s most populous country, with a young population driving economic growth.
President Xi Jiping reiterated China’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s economic reforms, saying, “I am ready to work with Mr. President to fully unleash the exemplary role of China-Nigeria cooperation.”
Responding, Tinubu expressed appreciation to Xi, saying the visit marked his second visitation to the country. He said this is his second time of coming to China. According to him, the first time was during his tenure as the then governor of Lagos and now, as president. Tinubu emphasis that his visit is significant to both Nigeria and the ECOWAS Region.
In his words, “This is a very important visit for Nigeria and the rest of Africa as the Chairman of ECOWAS. China and Nigeria relations have indeed lasted for over a half a century and will continue to be strengthened to advance our trade and economic development. Nigeria has a very great potential as the country with largest population in Africa and biggest in the area of young population that can drive the economic growth. You have upgraded the relationship to what is more than just strategic in addressing developmental problems.”
The Nigerian leader believes that the strategic partnership should result in our regional development, peace stability and security in West Africa, which has become crucial. He said that Nigeria was in the path to ensuring economic reforms, adding that when fully implemented, such reform will engender sustainable growth.
The meeting culminated in the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) on Belt and Road Initiative projects, news exchange cooperation, and television cooperation. As Tinubu stated, “We have recognized the need to reform our economic program and taken strategic measures to realize such goals.” With this partnership, China and Nigeria are poised to achieve sustainable growth and development.
President Tinubu was accompanied by His Excellency AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, Executive Governor of Kwara State, His Excellency Senator Uba Sani, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Mohammed Badaru, Honourable Minister of Defence among other.
