By Peace Udugba
The Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) has reaffirmed that the relationship between Nigeria and China is founded on mutual respect, trust, sovereignty, and shared strategic interests.
In a statement issued on May 20, 2026, the Director-General of NCSP, Joseph Tegbe, said China’s commitment to the One-China Principle remains central to its diplomatic engagements and has continued to shape its relations with partner nations across the world.
According to the statement, recent global attention on China’s diplomatic position intensified following the visit of former United States President Donald Trump to Beijing alongside top American business executives, underscoring the significance of economic interdependence in international relations.
The statement noted that despite expanding global trade and investment relations, China has remained unwavering in its stance that the People’s Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing China, while Taiwan remains an inseparable part of Chinese territory.
NCSP stated that Nigeria has consistently maintained a principled adherence to the One-China Principle since establishing diplomatic relations with China in 1971, describing the position as one rooted in Nigeria’s longstanding foreign policy principles of sovereignty, non-interference, and mutual respect among nations.
According to Tegbe, the shared diplomatic philosophy between both countries has strengthened bilateral relations beyond transactional interests and created a durable foundation for long-term cooperation.
The statement referenced the 2024 meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, where Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to the One-China Principle and recognised the Government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal authority representing China.
It added that Nigeria also expressed support for China’s pursuit of national reunification, describing the position as a deliberate reaffirmation of strategic alignment between both nations.
NCSP further noted that Nigeria’s National Assembly has also reinforced the country’s position. It cited the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on China-Nigeria Parliamentary Relations, Jafar Yakubu, as affirming that Nigeria’s stance remains clear, consistent, and rooted in international law and bilateral agreements.
According to the statement, the consistency in Nigeria’s diplomatic position has helped build significant political trust with Beijing over the past five decades, enabling deeper cooperation across multiple sectors.
The partnership body explained that its current mandate is focused on translating diplomatic trust into economic opportunities through manufacturing investment, industrial development, technology transfer, and export-oriented production capable of boosting Nigeria’s economy.
NCSP acknowledged China’s contributions to Nigeria’s railway infrastructure, ports, telecommunications, energy projects, and industrial development, while stressing that there remains greater potential for collaboration.
The organisation identified Nigeria’s digital economy, agro-processing sector, solid minerals industry, and large consumer market as key areas for expanded cooperation between both countries.
It added that through transparent and results-oriented frameworks aligned with Nigeria’s national development priorities, the partnership could evolve from infrastructure financing into broader industrialisation and economic transformation.
NCSP said it would continue strengthening bilateral collaboration with China in the areas of trade, investment, technology transfer, infrastructure development, and capacity building with the aim of delivering measurable economic value to Nigeria.
