The Chinese government has trained over 10,000 Nigerians across critical sectors as part of efforts to strengthen people-to-people relations and deepen China–Nigeria cooperation.
Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, disclosed this at the first annual China–Nigeria Government Exchange Programme Alumni Reunion Gala, held on Thursday at the Abuja Continental Hotel.
The event, organised by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, brought together alumni of the exchange programme, senior public officials and development stakeholders from across the country.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Yu said the reunion was designed to strengthen networks among programme alumni, encourage the exchange of ideas and enhance their collective contribution to bilateral relations. He explained that China’s training support for Nigerians covers diverse areas such as governance, poverty alleviation, agriculture, manufacturing, public health, trade, investment, science and technology, innovation, as well as the blue and digital economies.
According to him, the initiative has helped build individual skills while also supporting Nigeria’s broader economic and social development. He noted that beneficiaries of the programme are spread across major cities including Abuja, Lagos, Maiduguri, Ibadan and Benin City, reflecting the nationwide reach of the training.
Yu attributed China’s long-standing commitment to capacity building in Nigeria to the strong bilateral ties between both countries, which date back over 50 years. He described Nigeria and China as natural partners that have consistently supported each other on key national interests and international issues.
He highlighted China’s support for Nigeria’s role in global affairs, including its recent recognition as a BRICS partner country, its return to the International Maritime Organisation and its aspiration to join the G20. The ambassador also acknowledged Nigeria’s firm support for China’s One-China policy as a reflection of mutual trust.
On economic cooperation, Yu revealed that bilateral trade between both countries has exceeded $22 billion this year, already surpassing last year’s total. He added that Chinese direct investment in Nigeria has risen by 130 percent, while Nigeria’s exports to China have grown by over 200 percent.
He also pointed to the implementation of China’s zero-tariff policy for all products from African countries, including Nigeria, describing it as a significant opportunity to expand Nigeria’s access to the Chinese market and strengthen its position in global trade.
Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the FCT Social Development Secretariat, Olubunmi Olowookere, praised the Chinese government for its hospitality and professionalism during the training programmes. She said the exposure gained was particularly valuable to her work in social welfare, poverty reduction, community development and the protection of vulnerable groups.
Olowookere noted that the programme provided participants with hands-on exposure to people-focused development models and innovative social protection strategies, allowing them to observe development practices beyond theoretical learning. She said the experience has equipped participants to design and implement more inclusive policies and programmes in Nigeria.
In his goodwill message, the Director General of the Centre for Management Development (CMD), Bitrus Chinoko, described the exchange programme as a practical example of effective international cooperation. He said CMD has benefited significantly from its collaboration with the Chinese government through various capacity-building initiatives.
Chinoko disclosed that under the China Aid for Shared Future Initiative, 69 CMD staff participated in 28 training programmes sponsored by China between March and August 2025. He said the programmes exposed participants to modern management tools, global best practices and innovative development approaches, strengthening institutional performance.
