In response to increasing global trade tensions, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, has called for deeper bilateral ties between Nigeria and China, presenting the Asian giant as a strategic alternative amidst rising United States tariffs on foreign commodities.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the China People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), led by Vice-Chairman Mr. Hu Chunhua, Speaker Abbas emphasized the need for Nigeria to diversify its trade partnerships. He pointed to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) as promising platforms to enhance trade, investment, and knowledge exchange.
“In the face of evolving global trade dynamics, exemplified by the recent imposition of tariffs by the United States that have affected our non-oil exports, it is imperative that we diversify our trade partnerships,” Speaker Abbas stated. “Enhancing our economic ties with China presents significant opportunities for our nation.”
He lauded China’s economic transformation, citing its successes in industrial policy, poverty reduction, and technological innovation as models Nigeria can draw inspiration from.
The Speaker further underscored the commitment of the National Assembly to building institutional relationships with Chinese legislative bodies, including the CPPCC and the National People’s Congress. According to him, such collaboration would foster mutual learning in areas like legislative reform, democratic innovation, and constituency representation.
Referencing the outcomes of China’s recent ‘Two Sessions’, Abbas noted their focus on inclusive development, scientific progress, and sustainability as shared priorities between both nations.
He reaffirmed the House’s dedication to parliamentary diplomacy, describing it as crucial in achieving Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives. “By further strengthening our cooperation with China, we are better positioned to attain our shared aspirations for modernisation, peace, and prosperity,” he said.
Speaker Abbas also highlighted the elevation of Nigeria-China relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, attributing it to high-level engagements between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Chinese President Xi Jinping. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for the ‘One China Principle’, calling it a testament to the country’s respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In his remarks, Vice-Chairman Chunhua recalled President Tinubu’s visit to China in September 2024, during which both nations pledged to deepen strategic cooperation. He reiterated China’s readiness to implement agreements reached during the visit and to pursue shared interests with Nigeria.
The visit marked another milestone in Nigeria’s growing diplomatic and economic engagement with China, as both countries seek to navigate the challenges and opportunities of an evolving global order.
LV