By Raphael Oni
January 11, 2026, marks nine years since Nigeria took a decisive step to correct a major diplomatic misstep by directing Taiwan to relocate its unofficial office from Abuja to Lagos—an action that firmly reaffirmed Nigeria’s adherence to the One-China Policy.
The move, taken in 2017 under the administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari, underscored Nigeria’s recognition of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as the sole legitimate government representing China, with Taiwan acknowledged as an inalienable part of its territory. It also aligned Nigeria’s foreign policy with international norms and long-standing United Nations resolutions.
That same year, Nigeria and China strengthened this position through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the One-China Policy by then Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, and China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi—an agreement widely seen as a turning point in bilateral relations.
Tinubu Administration Maintains Policy Continuity
Nine years on, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has continued to uphold the One-China principle, demonstrating policy consistency and continuity in Nigeria’s foreign relations.
Nigeria’s position remains unequivocal: there is only one China in the world; the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China; and Taiwan is an integral part of China’s territory.
This stance was reiterated during President Tinubu’s State Visit to China on September 3, 2024, at the invitation of President Xi Jinping. The visit coincided with the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
At the end of the visit, both countries issued a Joint Statement on Establishing a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Building a High-Level China-Nigeria Community with a Shared Future. The statement noted that Nigeria and China now stand at a new historical starting point as major developing countries and key representatives of emerging economies.
During bilateral talks, Presidents Xi Jinping and Bola Ahmed Tinubu held in-depth discussions on China-Nigeria relations as well as regional and global issues of mutual interest. They agreed that strengthened strategic cooperation between both nations would inject new momentum into China-Africa relations and advance collective development across the Global South.
President Xi expressed China’s support for Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda, commending efforts to promote national unity, peace, security, social stability, and improved welfare for citizens.
In response, President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s firm commitment to the One-China Policy, stating that Nigeria opposes any form of “Taiwan independence” and rejects interference in China’s internal affairs. He further emphasized Nigeria’s support for all efforts by the Chinese government to achieve national reunification.
China Commends Nigeria’s Consistency
China’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has repeatedly praised Nigeria for its strict adherence to the One-China Principle, referencing the joint statement issued by Presidents Tinubu and Xi. The ambassador stressed that the Taiwan issue remains a core interest and red line for China, urging media professionals and the public to exercise caution in reporting and to avoid language that could imply recognition of Taiwan as a separate country.
He also cautioned against engagement with Taiwan’s unofficial representative office in Lagos, warning that such platforms have been used to promote separatist narratives.
Strategic Partnership Yields Economic Gains
Nigeria and China formally established a strategic partnership in 2014, a relationship that has since expanded into a comprehensive strategic partnership marked by growing cooperation in trade, infrastructure, security, energy, agriculture, and technology.
China remains Nigeria’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding $20 billion, and recording a year-on-year growth of over 32 percent in the first three quarters of 2025.
Major Chinese-backed infrastructure projects in Nigeria include the Abuja-Kaduna Railway, Lagos-Kano Railway, Port Harcourt-Makurdi Railway, Lekki Free Trade Zone, and the Zungeru Hydropower Dam, among others—projects that have significantly boosted transportation, power generation, and job creation.
Former Foreign Affairs Minister Geoffrey Onyeama once noted that Nigeria would “take all necessary measures to maintain the integrity of its One-China Policy,” a commitment that analysts say has translated into tangible economic and developmental benefits.
Experts Affirm Policy’s Strategic Importance
Director of the Centre for China Studies, Charles Onunaiju, described Nigeria’s commitment to the One-China Policy as “sacrosanct,” noting that sustained adherence has opened new frontiers for bilateral cooperation.
Similarly, Prof. Sheriff Ibrahim Ghali, Provost of the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria and Head of Contemporary China-Africa Research, said Nigeria’s position on the One-China Policy remains critical to building a durable comprehensive strategic partnership.
Ghali highlighted the January 2025 visit of China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, to Nigeria as pivotal, citing the elevation of bilateral ties, the establishment of new cooperation platforms, and the successful convening of the first plenary session of the China-Nigeria Intergovernmental Committee.
Looking Ahead
On February 10, 2026, Nigeria and China will mark 55 years of diplomatic relations, a milestone reflecting decades of mutual respect, cooperation, and shared development goals.
While challenges remain—particularly the need for Nigeria to diversify its economy and deepen manufacturing collaboration—the opportunities for expanded cooperation in agriculture, energy, technology, and capacity building continue to grow.
As Nigeria charts its future, the One-China Policy remains a cornerstone of its foreign policy, reinforcing a relationship that has become central to the country’s economic transformation and engagement with the Global South.
