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 the statement by her media aide, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made the appeal during a meeting with the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, recently. She emphasized Nigeria’s readiness for 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 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 investment. Additionally, she noted the growing interest of Nigerian youths in learning the Chinese language, underscoring the importance of cultural exchange. In response, Ambassador Dunhai reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, describing Nigeria as a strategic partner.
He said that trade between both countries exceeded $21 billion last year, with Nigerian exports to China growing 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 importance of manufacturing in industrialization and noted that the recently renewed $2 billion currency swap agreement would boost trade and investment between both countries.
FG urges China to remove trade tariffs for Nigeria
