China partnership will deliver reliable power to Nigerians — FG

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced that enhanced collaboration between Nigeria and China in the power sector will provide reliable electricity, renewable energy, and locally manufactured power equipment to Nigerians. During a reception to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in Abuja, Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe emphasized the importance of developing Nigerian technical capacity and strengthening local enterprises alongside increased Chinese investment.

Tegbe highlighted the potential benefits of this cooperation, stating that Nigeria's engineers, technicians, and local enterprises would be strengthened, enabling the country to operate and maintain infrastructure built with Chinese assistance. He recalled that diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on February 10, 1971, and were elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership in September 2024.

Tegbe commended China's significant contributions to major projects such as the Lekki Deep Seaport, railway modernization, and the Zungeru Hydropower Station. He also praised China's zero-tariff program, which could boost Nigerian exports, and disclosed that bilateral trade had reached $28bn at the end of last year, with $17bn in the first half of 2026.

The minister emphasized the need to translate this trade growth into increased production and exports. Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Yu Dunhai noted that China-Nigeria relations had entered a new phase under the strategic leadership of President Xi Jinping and President Tinubu, recording progress in trade and economic cooperation.

The ambassador highlighted the recent agreements on economic partnership and aquatic exports, which would support further trade expansion. He also announced that China is ready to align its 15th Five-Year Plan with Nigeria's Renewed Hope Agenda in areas such as industrialization, digital development, and green and blue economies.