The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday received a delegation of the Chinese government on a visit to the State House, Abuja.

The Chinese team was led by the country’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, and his Deputy, Zhou Hongyou.

Others are the Chinese Director of the Political Sector, Zhu Songbo, and the Third Secretary of the Political Sector, Wu Yijun.

The first lady, while celebrating the strong Nigeria-China bilateral relationship, acknowledged that both countries had enjoyed long-standing cordial relationships over the years.

She emphasised the need to focus on how both nations could strengthen the bilateral relations and economic cooperation to shore up mutual gains.

She noted that the long-standing partnership and relationship between both nations had yielded significant results, particularly under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

She appreciated the Chinese government’s confidence in Nigeria, saying that total trade relationships between both nations reached approximately $18 billion in 2025.

Mrs Tinubu said that the impact had improved Nigeria’s economic development with growth witnessed in various sectors.

“The Tinubu government is introducing a lot of new things, but most of us are still holding on to the old ways and not realising that Nigeria is transforming before our eyes.

“People have to embrace what is new;  those new things are the new Nigeria that we are all experiencing now. Personally, I’m very excited about what is unfolding. I’m excited about the investors. Look at what it is yielding. I am proud to hear that somebody from outside can believe in a second term for my husband.

“I know his Excellency will also be honoured and proud; we are looking forward to a second term, and we can only wish that Nigeria is worth all the work we put in and whatever changes we are going to have. After eight years, we are out of here, and if Nigeria does not work, it is going to affect us because we become like ordinary citizens. If this country works well, it’s going to benefit all of us,” she said.

The first lady emphasised the need for recognised technological enhancement and development within the agricultural sector to improve crop yields and utilise Nigeria’s favourable weather and soil.

She acknowledged the Chinese involvement in the mining industry and the execution of projects like the Lekki Seaport, various free trade zones, and energy and transportation development.

She highlighted the transition toward new technologies, especially electric and CNG cars, as part of the new Nigeria transformation.

Mrs Tinubu also reviewed the impact of recent reforms, noting that fuel subsidy removal had provided state governors with more resources for infrastructure and salary payments.

She expressed optimism that increased investment and infrastructure improvements would boost the living standards of Nigerians.

Earlier, the Chinese Ambassador, Dunhai, said that the bilateral relations between both nations had entered a stage of high-quality development yielding notable results.

He appreciated the first lady for impacting the lives of Nigerians through the Renewed Hope Initiative that had improved the health of children and women and impacted education.

He said the visit was to commemorate the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria, following a state visit by Mr Tinubu to Beijing in 2024, where both nations agreed to elevate their relationship to a comprehensive partnership.

He also said that the trade volume between both countries had reached approximately $18 billion in the first half of the year, representing a 35 per cent increase year-on-year, with Nigerian exports to China rising by 18 per cent.

He said there was an increase in economic infrastructure with ongoing projects including the Lekki Deep Sea Port, the Lagos Light Rail, the Abuja Rail (airport to downtown), and the Zungeru Hydrogen Power Station.

“China has implemented a new zero-tariff policy for 2.3 African countries, including Nigeria, to facilitate market access and industrialisation,” he said.

The ambassador said that President Xi Jinping had outlined a four-point proposition for mining cooperation, ensuring African resources belong to Africa, upholding mutual benefit, focusing on high-quality development, and maintaining an open/fair environment.

He said that Chinese companies are mandated to abide by local laws, transfer green technology and create local jobs.

According to him, maternal and children’s health projects through the Global Development and Sanitation Cooperation Foundation and UNICEF have provided clean water and hygiene education to 12 hospitals.

“Also, 21 schools and 450 communities in states like Gombe and Zamfara have benefited. Plans are also underway to provide 10 mobile clinic facilities to support elderly populations in rural areas.

“China also intends to provide agricultural technology and machinery to increase crop yields and ensure food security,” Mr Dunhai said.

(NAN)