ABUJA — Nigeria is seeking to boost its exports to China as both countries deepen economic cooperation following high-level talks in Abuja.
The move comes after the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, met with the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and signed by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.
At the meeting, Enikanolaiye highlighted the benefits of China’s zero-tariff policy for eligible Nigerian exports, describing it as an opportunity to expand market access, promote value addition and create jobs.
“He further highlighted the positive impact of China’s zero-tariff policy… and the opportunities it presents for expanding Nigerian products in the Chinese market,” the statement said.
Ambassador Yu said Nigeria’s exports to China have increased by more than 88 per cent since the policy was introduced, reflecting growing trade ties between both countries.
The discussions also covered the broader Nigeria–China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with both sides agreeing to strengthen cooperation in infrastructure, industrialisation, energy, agriculture, education and people-to-people exchanges.
Enikanolaiye reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the One-China Policy and commended China’s support for the country’s economic transformation agenda.
The Chinese envoy, who congratulated the minister on his appointment, also urged Nigeria to consider becoming a founding member of the World Artificial Intelligence Organization to deepen collaboration in emerging technologies.
In response, the minister said the proposal would be forwarded to relevant government agencies for consideration.
Both countries agreed to sustain high-level engagements and explore new areas of cooperation, including science and technology, the digital economy, and regional peace and security.
The meeting comes as Nigeria and China mark 55 years of diplomatic relations, underscoring longstanding ties between the two nations.
