President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to using the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) to drive industrialization, infrastructure growth, and economic transformation across the country.
This came during a high-level meeting on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where the President received Mr. Joseph Tegbe, Director-General and Global Liaison of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, for a comprehensive briefing on Nigeria’s ongoing collaboration with the People’s Republic of China.
China-Nigeria Ties in Focus
Mr. Tegbe, who was appointed to spearhead Nigeria’s strategic diplomatic and economic relationship with China, updated the President on several major initiatives under the bilateral agreement signed between President Tinubu and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
He noted that since assuming his role, the NCSP has held productive engagements with key officials of the Chinese government and major players in the Chinese business community.
“We have made significant progress in aligning with the strategic goals of both countries. Our engagements are already yielding interest in sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing, agriculture, education, healthcare, technology, and solid minerals,” Mr. Tegbe said.
He highlighted that the NCSP is working closely with stakeholders to ensure that incoming Chinese investments are targeted, job-creating, and aligned with Nigeria’s development agenda.
Tinubu: Fast-Track Projects That Benefit Nigerians
President Tinubu commended Mr. Tegbe and the NCSP team for their efforts so far and for the tangible achievements recorded under the partnership.
“Your work reflects the spirit of what our government stands for—effective collaboration, bold economic action, and measurable development outcomes. I commend your commitment,” Tinubu said.
The President, however, stressed the urgency of translating partnerships into real results for the Nigerian people.
“We must move faster. Projects that deliver value to citizens must be prioritized and implemented quickly. The Nigeria-China partnership must serve as a strong lever for industrialization, economic diversification, and local capacity building,” he added.
He gave full assurance of the Federal Government’s support for the NCSP and its ongoing work with Chinese institutions and investors.
Strategic Pillar of Foreign and Economic Policy
The Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership has grown to become a key pillar of Nigeria’s foreign relations and economic policy, focusing on attracting long-term investments, increasing bilateral trade, and unlocking opportunities in energy, transport, digital economy, and human capital development.
The relationship was further strengthened by the signing of several bilateral agreements during Tinubu’s recent engagements with Chinese leadership, aimed at facilitating technology transfer, funding infrastructure development, and improving Nigeria’s trade balance.
A New Chapter in International Cooperation
Mr. Tegbe assured the President of the NCSP’s readiness to step up implementation and coordinate with all relevant ministries, departments, and agencies to remove bottlenecks and speed up project delivery.
“We understand the importance of results, and we are fully committed to ensuring that the Nigeria-China partnership delivers not just promises, but visible and lasting benefits for our people,” he said.
Observers say the NCSP could be a model for other international development partnerships, especially as Nigeria seeks to expand its economic diplomacy footprint beyond aid to mutually beneficial cooperation.
With the global spotlight on Africa as the next investment frontier, Nigeria’s strategic positioning with China could open up new pathways for economic growth, technological advancement, and industrial expansion.
As Mr. Tegbe continues to lead the NCSP’s diplomatic and investment engagements, stakeholders are watching to see how quickly the promises of the partnership translate into factories, jobs, roads, power, and improved quality of life for Nigerians.
