By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Federal Government of Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China will hold a high-level political consultation meeting in July 2026 as both countries seek to deepen their strategic partnership and strengthen bilateral cooperation across key sectors.
This was disclosed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, during a meeting with the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, in Abuja on June 19, 2026.
Ambassador Ahmed reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with China, describing the partnership as a critical component of the country’s foreign policy and economic development agenda. He stressed the importance of sustained consultations and enhanced collaboration ahead of upcoming bilateral engagements, particularly the Nigeria-China Sub-Committee Meeting.
According to the Permanent Secretary, the forthcoming consultations will provide both countries with an opportunity to align priorities and deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
In his remarks, Ambassador Yu Dunhai reiterated China’s commitment to advancing its comprehensive strategic partnership with Nigeria. He noted that the July consultations would serve as a platform to review progress on agreements reached during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s State Visit to China in September 2024, as well as subsequent bilateral engagements between the two nations.
The Chinese envoy highlighted significant achievements recorded in Nigeria-China relations, particularly in infrastructure development, trade, industrialisation, power generation and railway modernization.
He also praised the impact of China’s zero-tariff policy for eligible Nigerian exports, which took effect on May 1, 2026. According to him, the policy has already boosted Nigerian exports to the Chinese market and is expected to further stimulate investment, industrial growth and job creation.
On regional and global issues, Ambassador Yu expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s support on matters of mutual concern and conveyed China’s readiness to expand cooperation in peace and security, counter-terrorism, multilateral affairs, artificial intelligence governance, education, cultural diplomacy and youth development.
The ambassador further acknowledged efforts by the Nigerian government and security agencies in tackling security challenges affecting foreign nationals and investments, while emphasizing the need to sustain measures that ensure a conducive environment for business and investment.
Responding, Ambassador Ahmed reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to the One-China Policy and pledged continued cooperation in critical sectors, including industrialization, agriculture, information and communication technology, transportation, education, healthcare and human capital development.
He emphasized the Federal Government’s focus on value addition, manufacturing and technology-driven economic growth as part of its broader economic transformation agenda.
Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining close consultations and strengthening bilateral ties in pursuit of shared development objectives.
The meeting ended on a positive note, with both sides expressing confidence in the continued growth of the Nigeria-China strategic partnership.
