Ghana, China reaffirm commitment to deepen strategic partnership
Ghana and China have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, with focus on trade, investment, industrialisation and development cooperation.
The Nigerian government has announced that enhanced collaboration between Nigeria and China in the power sector will provide dependable electricity, renewable energy, and locally manufactured power equipment to Nigerian citizens. Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, conveyed this message during a reception honoring the 77th anniversary of China's founding.
Tegbe emphasized that the advantages of increased Chinese investment would be maximized if the partnership also emphasized developing Nigerian technical capabilities and bolstering local enterprises. He stated, "As Minister of Power, I see significant potential in deepening cooperation to achieve reliable electricity, renewable energy, and the manufacturing of power equipment in Nigeria via our partnership with China.
"The greatest benefits will be realized when investment also nurtures Nigerian engineers, technicians, and reinforces local enterprises, empowering us to operate and maintain our constructed infrastructure in Nigeria." Tegbe highlighted that Nigeria and China have evolved their relationship from a diplomatic friendship into a multifaceted partnership encompassing infrastructure, healthcare, technical exchanges, trade, and investment.
He reminded that diplomatic ties were established on February 10, 1971, and upgraded to a comprehensive strategic partnership by President Bola Tinubu and Chinese President Xi Jinping in September 2024. Tegbe expressed gratitude for China's contributions through investment, financing, and engineering to major projects like the Lekki Deep Seaport, railway modernization, and the Zungeru Hydropower Station.
He praised China's advancements in manufacturing, science, high-speed rail, and clean energy, commending its zero-tariff program as a potential boost for Nigerian exports. The minister reported that bilateral trade reached $28 billion by year-end and grew to $17 billion in the first half of 2026. However, he stressed the need to convert expanding trade into higher Nigerian production and exports.
Tegbe reiterated Nigeria's adherence to the one-China principle, recognizing the People's Republic of China as the sole legal government representing the entirety of China. Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, noted that China-Nigeria relations have transitioned into a "fast lane" under the strategic leadership of President Xi Jinping and President Tinubu.
He reported a 35% increase in bilateral trade and a 81% surge in Chinese imports from Nigeria during the first half of 2026. Dunhai expressed China's willingness to synchronize its 15th Five-Year Plan with Nigeria's 'Renewed Hope' Agenda in areas such as industrialization, digital development, green and blue economies. He extended an invitation for Nigeria to join the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation, enabling the country to engage in global technology advancements.
Both nations, celebrating 55 years of diplomatic relations, were urged to further deepen cooperation based on mutual respect, shared development, and practical benefits.
Written by urgent.news from Punch's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
