The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has called for stronger ties between Nigeria and China, particularly in trade, infrastructure, and cultural exchange. He made this statement in Abuja during a visit from Zhang Qingwei, Vice Chairman of China’s National People’s Congress, and other Chinese officials, including the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai.
Abbas noted that China is Nigeria’s biggest trading partner, with trade between the two countries exceeding $13 billion annually. He praised the ongoing collaboration through the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), highlighting President Bola Tinubu’s recent participation as a sign of Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening this partnership.
He emphasized the active role of the Nigeria-China Parliamentary Friendship Group and suggested practical steps to enhance cooperation. These include setting up knowledge-sharing programs, organizing exchange visits between both parliaments, and working together on policies for infrastructure, renewable energy, and the digital economy.
Abbas also stressed the importance of attracting more Chinese investments into Nigeria’s manufacturing, agriculture, and technology sectors. He suggested that both countries’ legislatures could collaborate on poverty reduction, education, and youth empowerment, inspired by China’s success in lifting millions out of poverty.
Zhang Qingwei expressed China’s willingness to deepen ties with Nigeria, especially through more legislative exchange programs, and called for new ideas to further strengthen the relationship. Both leaders agreed on the need to work closely to create a partnership that benefits both countries and promotes global stability.
