Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has held talks with Nigeria’s Minister of Power Designate and Director-General of the Nigeria-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Joseph Tegbe, on expanding bilateral cooperation in critical sectors including electricity, infrastructure and industrial development.

The meeting, held on Thursday, focused on advancing the strategic partnership between both countries and identifying opportunities for deeper collaboration in areas considered vital to Nigeria’s economic growth and modernization agenda.

During the discussions, Ambassador Yu congratulated Tegbe on his recent appointment as Minister of Electricity and acknowledged his role in promoting stronger ties between Nigeria and China through the Nigeria-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework.

The Chinese envoy reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to working with Nigeria to implement the outcomes of the recent Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Beijing Summit and other agreements reached by the leaders of both nations.

He emphasized the importance of sustained cooperation in sectors such as energy, power infrastructure and development projects as part of efforts to elevate the comprehensive strategic partnership to a higher level.

According to the ambassador, closer engagement in these areas would contribute to economic growth and create tangible benefits for citizens of both countries.

In his response, Tegbe reiterated Nigeria’s determination to deepen its relationship with China, describing the Asian nation as a key development partner. He expressed appreciation for China’s support toward Nigeria’s socio-economic development over the years.

The minister also pledged to strengthen collaboration with the Chinese Embassy and relevant Chinese institutions to drive practical initiatives in priority sectors, including electricity infrastructure, manufacturing and modern agricultural development.

Tegbe noted that enhanced cooperation between Nigeria and China would not only help achieve Nigeria’s development objectives but also support broader efforts aimed at promoting modernization and sustainable development across Africa.

Nigeria’s newly appointed Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau (retd.), has officially assumed his diplomatic responsibilities in Beijing after presenting copies of his credentials to China’s Assistant Foreign Minister and Director-General of the Protocol Department, Hong Lei.

The ceremony held in Beijing marks the formal commencement of Dambazau’s mission in China, authorising him to undertake official engagements and represent Nigeria’s interests in one of its most significant bilateral relationships.

A former Chief of Army Staff and Minister of Interior, Dambazau was named ambassador by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic presence in key strategic countries.

His posting comes at a period of increasing cooperation between Nigeria and China, with both nations expanding collaboration in commerce, infrastructure, technology, education, security and cultural exchanges.

Over the past decade, China has remained one of Nigeria’s leading economic partners. Trade volumes between the two countries have continued to rise, with bilateral commerce exceeding $28 billion in 2025. The growth reflects stronger economic ties and increasing demand for Chinese industrial products, machinery and technological equipment within the Nigerian market.

Beyond commercial relations, China’s involvement in Nigeria’s development landscape has become increasingly visible through major infrastructure projects supported by Chinese financing and technical expertise.

Among the flagship projects linked to China-Nigeria cooperation are the Lekki Deep Sea Port in Lagos, modern railway developments connecting key parts of the country, and the construction of new terminal facilities at major airports, including those in Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt and Enugu.

Other notable projects include the rehabilitation and expansion of major highways such as the Abuja-Keffi corridor and the Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi-Enugu route, as well as strategic investments in the energy and water sectors through the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant and the Greater Abuja Water Supply Scheme.

Observers believe Dambazau’s appointment comes at a crucial stage in relations between Abuja and Beijing, as both governments seek to unlock new opportunities in investment, industrialisation, agriculture, innovation and human capital development.

Given his extensive background in military leadership, governance and public administration, the retired army general is expected to play a significant role in advancing Nigeria’s diplomatic objectives while facilitating stronger economic and strategic cooperation with China.

His tenure is anticipated to focus on attracting investment, promoting trade, strengthening educational and cultural exchanges, and expanding partnerships that support Nigeria’s development agenda.

China and Nigeria have reiterated their commitment to deepening youth-focused cooperation and advancing a shared future framework for China-Africa relations.

They made the call at a high-level youth exchange seminar jointly organised by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.

The event held at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja brought together diplomats, government officials, and young leaders for discussions on cooperation in trade, innovation, culture, and sustainable development.

Speaking at the event, Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Zhou Hongyou, said young people remain central to the future of China-Nigeria and broader China-Africa relations. He called for stronger youth engagement across diplomacy, technology, entrepreneurship, cultural exchange, and trade relations.

Zhou said the seminar was particularly significant as both countries mark 55 years of diplomatic relations, noting that China is introducing new initiatives aimed at strengthening economic ties with Africa, including zero tariffs on goods from 53 African countries with diplomatic relations with Beijing.

He stressed that such measures are designed to deepen mutual trust, expand practical cooperation, and enhance people-to-people relations.

According to him, “China is working with all brothers and sisters across Africa, including Nigeria, to strengthen political trust, expand cooperation, deepen mutual learning, bring our people closer, and ensure this friendship continues for generations.”

He urged young people from both countries to position themselves as ambassadors of cooperation and understanding, noting that global challenges require collective solutions rather than isolated efforts.

Zhou also reaffirmed the Chinese Embassy’s commitment to working with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Youth Development to expand platforms for youth engagement, innovation, and cross-cultural collaboration.

In his remarks, Director of Education and Youth Development at the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Despan Kwardem, said the future of Nigeria-China relations will be largely determined by young people rather than governments alone.

He highlighted the importance of equipping youths with skills in technology, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, and innovation, describing them as key drivers of economic growth and national development.

Kwardem also emphasized that the idea of a “shared future” extends beyond geography, pointing to the rise of digital communities and global innovation networks.

“Government is only a facilitator. Young people are the real drivers of this vision. You must take ownership and work with your Chinese counterparts to shape the future we want together,” he said.

He further urged youths to actively engage in building partnerships that promote mutual understanding and long-term cooperation between both nations.

The seminar featured panel discussions on strategic cooperation, economic partnerships, and people-to-people connectivity, with participants exploring opportunities in trade, cultural exchange, education, innovation, and youth empowerment.

Stakeholders also examined how the China-Africa community with a shared future could support stronger, more stable, and mutually beneficial relations between Nigeria and China.