In a notable diplomatic move, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Chinese President Xi Jinping have announced the upgrade of Nigeria-China relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership. This development was revealed during President Tinubu’s official visit to Beijing, ahead of the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit scheduled for September 4-6.

The new partnership is designed to enhance development, stability, and security in the West African region. President Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s role as Africa’s largest economy with a young, dynamic population, emphasizing the need to strengthen trade and economic ties. “Relations between China and Nigeria have lasted over 50 years and should be further developed to advance our trade and economic programs,” he stated.

President Xi Jinping praised the enduring mutual understanding between the two nations and saw the FOCAC Summit as a key moment to reinforce China-Africa relations.

During the visit, several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, covering:

– Collaboration on the Belt and Road Initiative

– Peaceful use of nuclear energy

– Human resource development under the Global Development Initiative

– Media exchange and cooperation between China Media Group and the Nigerian Television Authority

President Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to sustainable growth through economic reforms, including tax and tariff reviews. “We recognize the need for economic reform and are diligently working across various segments of our economy,” he said. The elevation to a comprehensive strategic partnership signifies a new chapter in Nigeria-China relations, focusing on shared development and prosperity.