The Federal Government is actively seeking to collaborate with China to diversify its economy, particularly by establishing electric vehicle assembly plants within the country.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, emphasized this initiative during a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunham.
She highlighted China’s role as one of Nigeria’s largest trading partners and expressed optimism that such cooperation would bolster Nigeria’s industrialization efforts under President Tinubu’s administration.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighted China’s status as one of Nigeria’s largest trade partners, noting their long history of economic collaboration.
“In line with President Tinubu’s policy to industrialise Nigeria, we expect China’s cooperation to enable us to establish assembly plants for electric vehicles,” she stated.
She stated that Nigeria hopes China’s support will not only reinforce the longstanding relationship between both countries but also advance President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to revitalize the economy through diversification.
The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening cultural ties with China.
She noted the growing interest among Nigerian youth in learning the Chinese language, highlighting it as a sign of deepening people-to-people connections between both nations.
“Many Nigerian universities are desirous of offering the Chinese Language as a course. Chinese has become a language of trade in the world,” she said.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasized that Nigeria remains committed to reciprocating China’s support on multilateral platforms.
She also highlighted the need for China’s assistance in digital communication, renewable energy, various aspects of digital technology, and agriculture to address food insecurity.
“Government is interested in seeing that food gets to the poorest of the poor. Government is not just talking about food but has established a separate Ministry of Livestock,” she said.
Earlier, Yu described Nigeria-China relations as a partnership that will continue to grow and expand.
He commended Nigeria as a great and strategic partner to China.
“We have a comprehensive strategic partnership with Nigeria. China would want Nigeria to play a big role in the international scene.
“We want Nigeria to become a member of G-20. These will all provide opportunity for China and Nigeria to further work closely.
“China has been consistent. We give grants to many African countries and we don’t give any conditions,” Yu said.
Yu noted that President Tinubu’s first official visit to China and his participation in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation further strengthened bilateral ties.
He highlighted the collaborative efforts between both nations in key sectors, including road construction, railway modernization, power, industrial parks, and the Lekki Sea Port.
