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  • Joseph Tegbe Arrives in China to Strengthen Nigeria-China Ties

    Joseph Tegbe Arrives in China to Strengthen Nigeria-China Ties

     

    Michael Onjewu, Abuja

    Joseph Tegbe, the Director-General and Global Liaison of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, has arrived in China to enhance bilateral relations between the two nations.


    Joseph Tegbe with the president of China Habour Engineering Martin Chen and the Managing Director Jason Wang during a meeting in Beijing

    In September 2024, President Bola Tinubu appointed Tegbe to this role with a mandate to implement various Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed between China and Nigeria during the Beijing summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Tegbe is also tasked with promoting a deeper understanding of developmental programs between the two countries.

    Some of the MoUs signed at the 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; and Media exchange and collaboration between China Media Group and the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).

    According to a statement from the Directorate’s media department, Tegbe will engage with senior Chinese government officials and participate in strategic meetings aimed at finalizing agreements that will bolster the Nigerian economy in critical sectors such as agriculture, alternative energy, healthcare, mining, education, and technology.

    “These agreements will focus on enhancing agricultural productivity, developing renewable energy sources, improving access to quality healthcare, harnessing Nigeria’s mineral resources, strengthening educational institutions, and fostering innovation and technological advancement in Nigeria,” the statement said.

    “As the Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, Tegbe is spearheading efforts to drive Nigeria’s socio-economic transformation through targeted Chinese investments, supporting China’s Belt and Road Initiative, and advancing Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”

    The statement noted that the partnership is vital for Nigeria’s objective of becoming a net exporter to China within the next five years. It also serves as a platform for realizing President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, which seeks to explore new developmental pathways with China as a key partner.

    Tegbe’s visit follows the recent trip of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Nigeria, where he met with President Bola Tinubu and Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar to strengthen bilateral relations and facilitate the implementation of FOCAC agreements.

  • President Buhari expresses satisfaction as China-Nigeria relations clock 50

    President Buhari expresses satisfaction as China-Nigeria relations clock 50

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday wrote to his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral ties between Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China.

    In the letter, the President expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far and thanked China for its support in defence matters and infrastructural development of Nigeria among others.

    President Buhari also rejoiced with Chinese people across the world as they commence celebrations marking the new Chinese Year of the Ox on February 12 this year.

    Read the full text of the letter below.

    LETTER OF FELICITATIONS

    “It is now 50 years since the establishment of Nigeria-China diplomatic relations, and I am delighted that the bilateral ties have achieved far reaching and fruitful results, on the basis of close coordination and mutual trust, bringing great benefits to our countries and peoples.

    “As celebrations of the Chinese Year of the Ox by all Chinese across the world commence on February 12th this year, on behalf of the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I use this opportunity to extend my warmest and most sincere greetings and wishes to you and the Chinese people for a promising and auspicious Lunar New Year.

    Nigeria is very satisfied with the progress of bilateral relations, and we thank China for its support to us in various ways; in building of rail, road, power, defence, and many other areas.

    Since the COVID-19 outbreak, China has been working with Nigeria and other African countries to safeguard the lives and health of our citizens, adding new dimensions to our friendship. We acknowledge that Chinese support tremendously strengthened our effort against the pandemic.

    In recent years, Nigeria and China have also witnessed steady development of their strategic partnership. In the face of significant challenges faced by international community, the two sides are upholding a common position of preserving multilateralism, not interfering in other countries’ internal affairs and safeguarding common interest of developing countries.

    This year is vital for China-Nigeria relations. The FOCAC has become a model of mutually beneficial cooperation between Nigeria and China, as well as between Africa and China. Nigeria is ready to work with China to make the new session of FOCAC this year a success.

    Please accept Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest regards.

    Yours sincerely,

    Muhammadu Buhari