Stakeholders in Abuja on Wednesday called for a deeper, more strategic Nigeria-China partnership anchored in industrialisation, expanded market access, and enhanced cooperation within the Global South.

They made their views known at the 55th anniversary dialogue to commemorate the establishment of diplomatic ties between Nigeria and China on February 10, 1971.

The dialogue was organised by the Centre for China Studies in collaboration with the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution.

Charles Onunaiju, director of the CCS, said the relationship began at a crucial moment for both nations and had evolved into a model of South-South cooperation with global significance. He noted that bilateral trade exceeded $22 billion in 2025, with prospects for growth as China implements its 15th Five-Year Development Plan.

Mr Onunaiju urged Nigerian policymakers, scholars, and businesses to closely study China’s development plans. He highlighted China’s post-1978 reforms, which lifted over 700 million people out of poverty and transformed it into the world’s second-largest economy.

Mr Onunaiju also cited infrastructure projects, such as the Lekki Deep Sea Port under the Belt and Road Initiative, as evidence of practical cooperation.

Joseph Ochogwu, IPCR director-general, said the dialogue was timely amid geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and security challenges. He stressed that economic partnerships must be people-centred, conflict-sensitive, and aligned with peace goals, particularly in youth employment, technology transfer, and inclusive growth.

Zhou Hongyou, chargé d’affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, said that the bilateral relationship is rooted in mutual trust and shared development. He added that the partnership was elevated to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024 following President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to China.

Mr Zhou also highlighted projects, including the Zungeru Hydropower Station, Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano Gas Pipeline, and Abuja Water Supply Project. He added that China’s direct investment in Nigeria rose to $690 million, a 103 per cent year-on-year increase.

Mr Zhou reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s industrialisation, modernisation, and self-reliant development through initiatives, such as the Global Development Initiative and Global Security Initiative.

Foreign affairs minister Yusuf Tuggar described China’s zero-tariff policy as a historic opportunity for Nigeria to accelerate economic diversification.

(NAN)