China’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Nigeria, calling the relationship a growing “comprehensive strategic partnership” with expanding political, economic, and cultural cooperation.
Speaking at a reception in Abuja on Wednesday night to mark the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Dunhai described the year 2025 as a pivotal moment for China’s development, China-Africa relations, and global diplomacy.
“This year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations,” the ambassador said, referencing China’s Global Governance Initiative, which he said offers “Chinese wisdom and solutions to strengthen and improve global governance.”
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The ambassador celebrated China’s achievements over the past seven decades, describing the transformation as “miraculous.”
“Over the past 76 years, the Communist Party of China, with a strong spirit of self-reform, has united and led the Chinese people in achieving two miracles: rapid economic growth and long-term social stability.
“The Chinese nation’s great rejuvenation has entered an irreversible historical trend,” he said.
Highlighting progress in poverty alleviation, he noted that China had lifted more than 800 million people out of poverty, calling it a “Chinese poverty alleviation miracle.”
“In 2024, China’s GDP exceeded $18 trillion, with a per capita GDP surpassing $13,000. For years, China has contributed over 30 percent to global economic growth,” the ambassador added.
Dunhai said the next phase of China’s development — national rejuvenation through modernization — would emphasize peace, development, and mutual benefit.
“We are eager to share development opportunities with African countries, including Nigeria, and the rest of the world,” he noted.
Dunhai praised Nigeria’s recent endorsement of the GGI, stating, “Days ago, the Nigerian government issued a statement to endorse the Initiative. China deeply appreciates this support and backs Nigeria’s greater role on the international stage.
“We are ready to work with Nigeria and African countries to advance cooperation under the framework of the GGI,” the envoy added.
He also stressed the increasing economic and diplomatic engagement between the two countries. “It has been one year since President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to China,” he said, noting that the visit elevated bilateral ties to a “comprehensive strategic partnership.”
The Ambassador pointed to several key projects as evidence of tangible progress, including the Lekki Deep Sea Port and the Abuja Water Supply Project. “The Lekki Deep Sea Port has become a new ‘national gateway’ for Nigeria’s global trade,” he stated, adding that it is projected to generate $360bn in economic benefits and create 170,000 jobs over the next 45 years.
On water infrastructure, Dunhai noted, “The Abuja Water Supply Project was completed in June. With a daily capacity of 480,000 cubic meters, it will meet the clean water needs of nearly 3 million people.”
He also revealed ongoing discussions to establish a local insulin production facility in Nigeria. “Chinese companies are in talks with Nigeria to build Africa’s first local insulin production facility,” he said, claiming it could end Nigeria’s reliance on imported insulin and “position Nigeria as a hub for African medical biotechnology.”
He highlighted the story of Nigeria’s first female train driver, trained by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, saying, “Ms. Issah Abiola, known by her Chinese name Bai Yang by Chinese netizens, was honoured with China’s ‘Friendship Envoy Award’, one of only six global recipients.”
He welcomed the recent move by the Federal Government to include the Chinese language in the senior secondary school curriculum.
Throughout his speech, the ambassador repeatedly emphasised themes of unity and mutual development. “China stands ready to deepen cooperation with Nigeria across various sectors,” he said, pledging to align Chinese policies with President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.
In his remarks, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin emphasised the symbolic connection between both nations, noting that Nigeria and China share a common national day—October 1st.
Jibrin, who was represented by the Senator representing Jigawa North-West Senatorial District, Babangida Hussaini, noted that the partnership between the two countries has evolved into a “comprehensive strategic partnership,” which he said is reflected in visible investments across Nigeria in sectors such as roads, railways, power plants, and industrial parks.
“Today, Chinese enterprises and investments are visible in every corner of Nigeria, contributing to the modernization of our infrastructure,” he added.
Jibrin also referenced Tinubu’s state visit to China, calling it a turning point that “consolidated our shared vision for a future where the resources, talent, and strength of both countries are harnessed for the prosperity of our people.”
He expressed optimism about future collaborations under frameworks such as Nigeria’s 10-Year Development Plan and China’s Belt and Road Initiative, saying they are “opening new opportunities for growth, connectivity, and shared prosperity.”
Highlighting the people-to-people dimension of the bilateral relationship, he said, “Thousands of young Nigerians today are studying in China, acquiring knowledge and skills that will shape the future of our country. Similarly, Nigerian culture is finding appreciative audiences in China.”
Jibrin concluded by reaffirming the National Assembly’s commitment to strengthening ties through parliamentary diplomacy.
In recent months, Nigeria has taken notable steps to deepen its engagement with China. One key development was Nigeria’s endorsement of China’s Global Governance Initiative, which the Federal Government described as a timely and thoughtful response to contemporary global challenges.
Also, as part of a recent review of the national curriculum, Mandarin Chinese has been selected as one of the foreign languages to be taught in senior secondary schools across the country. The decision was confirmed by Dr. Danlami Hayyo, Secretary of Education for the Federal Capital Territory.
