The bilateral relations between Nigeria and China continue to yield positive results as both nations commit to enhancing good governance and democratic values for the realization of peace, security, and stability in the Sahel region.
This commitment was articulated in a Joint Statement during the First Plenary Session of the Intergovernmental Committee, held on June 21, 2024, between Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, and his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi.
Both parties acknowledged Nigeria’s pivotal role in combating terrorism and other transborder crimes.
They agreed to collaborate on efforts to ensure the economic viability of the region through infrastructural development and sectoral cooperation.
Reflecting on the positive outcomes achieved over the past 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two countries reached a broad consensus on future bilateral development.
They emphasized their tradition of mutual trust in political and diplomatic matters, mutual benefit in practical cooperation, mutual support in international affairs, and mutual learning through people-to-people exchanges.
Both countries pledged support for each other’s aspirations in various international fora, particularly the UN, G20, and BRICS. The Nigerian government reaffirmed its recognition of the “One China” policy, acknowledging the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government representing all of China, including Taiwan. Nigeria opposes any form of separatist activities for “Taiwan independence” and any external attempts to interfere in China’s internal affairs, supporting the Chinese government’s efforts towards national reunification.
China commended President Bola Tinubu’s leadership role in ECOWAS, particularly in ensuring regional stability.
Both governments vowed to intensify efforts to protect the rights and dignity of each other’s citizens living in their respective countries and to create a business-friendly