By Peter Adelowo
Nigeria has urged China to remove trade tariffs on its exports to enhance economic diversification and industrialization.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made the appeal when she hosted the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, in her office in Abuja.
She emphasized that Nigeria seeks the same tariff exemptions China has granted to other African nations.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to economic diversification under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
She called for Chinese cooperation in establishing electric vehicle assembly plants, expanding digital communication infrastructure, and boosting renewable energy and agriculture to address food insecurity.
The minister also acknowledged China’s contributions to Nigeria’s infrastructure development, particularly in road and rail construction while noting that ongoing efforts to enhance the power sector and modernize ports, which are crucial for attracting investment.
On cultural ties, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed Nigeria’s interest in strengthening educational exchanges, as many Nigerian universities seek to offer Chinese language courses.
Reponding, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, reiterated China’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations, emphasizing Nigeria’s strategic importance.
He noted that President Tinubu’s participation in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) had further strengthened ties.
He revealed that trade between both countries exceeded $21 billion last year, with Nigeria’s exports to China growing by over 25%. Ambassador Dunhai highlighted the renewed $2 billion currency swap agreement as a step towards strengthening financial cooperation and promoting trade.
The Chinese envoy also expressed support for Nigeria’s inclusion in the G-20, emphasizing that China remains committed to fostering mutually beneficial partnerships without imposing conditions on African nations.
