MoUs signed with China at various stages of implementation – FG

By Michael Onjewu, Abuja

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) signed between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China at the 2024 summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) has reached various stages of implementation.

Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs made the disclosure during a bilateral meeting with Wang Yi, Chinese Foreign Minister in Abuja on Thursday.

The MoUs signed between both countries at the 2024 FOCAC summit include: Cooperation on jointly promoting the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Peaceful application of nuclear energy, Strengthening cooperation on human resource development under the Global Development Initiative, Media exchange and collaboration between China Media Group and the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).

“Nigeria is dedicated to the terms of the MoUs, which are currently at various stages of implementation. Importantly, we have upgraded our relationship from a strategic partnership to a comprehensive strategic partnership,” Tuggar said during his engagement with his Chinese counterpart.

Minister Tuggar noted that Nigeria’s bilateral cooperation with the People’s Republic of China has produced significant results across various sectors, including trade, investment, infrastructure development, and cultural exchange.

He acknowledged China’s impressive progress in economic development, technological innovation, and global leadership. He noted that Nigeria is also undergoing a transformative phase, driven by its vision to become a more prosperous, peaceful, and egalitarian nation.

The minister expressed Nigeria’s eagerness to explore further opportunities for deepening bilateral engagement with China, particularly in areas such as trade facilitation, capacity building, and people-to-people exchanges.

“I am confident that our discussions will yield meaningful outcomes and foster a brighter future for our nation and our people. Let us work together to elevate Nigeria-China relations to new heights,” Tuggar added.

In his remarks, Foreign Minister Wang Yi highlighted Nigeria’s role as a major African country with global influence, emphasizing its irreplaceable contribution to the continent’s peace and development.

Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, noted that both countries will continue to understand and support each other on issues of mutual interest and benefit.

“Under the guidance of our two Presidents, we have achieved substantial progress in our cooperation, delivering tangible benefits to our people,” Wang Yi said.

He explained that his visit aims to continue the tradition of the Chinese foreign minister visiting Africa as the first overseas trip of the new year.

“It is also an opportunity to discuss with my African counterparts how to implement the important common understandings reached at the FOCAC Beijing meeting, particularly the ten partnership actions, and to add new substance to our comprehensive strategic partnership,” the Chinese diplomat added.

Wang Yi’s tour of African countries began on January 5, 2025, and included visits to Namibia, the Republic of the Congo, and Chad before concluding in Nigeria.