China and Nigeria have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations, with an emphasis on trade, investment, industrialisation, energy, technology, and people-to-people exchanges.

The two countries made the pledge on Wednesday at a reception in Abuja marking the 77th National Day of the People’s Republic of China.

The Chinese ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, said Nigeria-China relations had entered a new phase of expanded practical cooperation, describing the partnership as one built on mutual respect and shared development interests.

“Our relationship has entered the fast lane, as both countries continue to expand cooperation across economic, political and cultural spheres,” he said.

Mr Yu said that China’s implementation of zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries from May 1 was creating new opportunities for African exports and industrial development. He said the impact was already reflecting in trade, with China’s imports from Africa growing by 24 per cent in May and June.

According to him, the policy will help African countries transform their resource advantages into industrial capacity while supporting the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Mr Yu said that China and Africa were also deepening cooperation in emerging areas, including artificial intelligence, digital payments and renewable energy. He said Chinese innovations in these areas were helping address development challenges and strengthen digital cooperation across the continent.

The ambassador said that 2026 also marked 55 years of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria, and the relationship had grown through mutual respect and shared interests.

“China and Nigeria have grown closer through mutual respect and shared success,” he said.

Mr Yu noted that bilateral trade had reached 18 billion dollars in the first half of 2026, representing a 35 per cent increase, while Chinese imports from Nigeria rose by 81 per cent during the period. He said recent agreements on economic partnership and aquatic exports would provide further support for expanding bilateral trade.

Mr Yu also announced the launch of Chinese-language broadcasts on the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria and the Voice of Nigeria, describing the initiative as part of efforts to strengthen cultural understanding and people-to-people ties.

He reiterated China’s commitment to align its 15th Five-Year Plan with Nigeria’s development priorities, particularly industrialisation, digital development, and the green and blue economies.

Mr Yu invited Nigeria to join the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation to enhance cooperation in global technological development.

(NAN)