By Bashir Aliyu
Abuja, Nigeria – The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has described Nigeria’s relationship with China as the most pragmatic and beneficial among the country’s foreign partnerships. The Minister made this assertion during a one-day dialogue organized by the Centre for Chinese Studies in Abuja, themed “Maintaining Resilience and Seeking Opportunities in Nigeria-China Cooperation, Amidst International Trade Disruptions and Tariff Wars.”
Represented by Ambassador Mohammed Haidara, Tuggar emphasized that while Nigeria’s ties with China are relatively recent compared to its historical engagements with Western nations, the Sino-Nigerian partnership has delivered tangible benefits.
“Our relations with China have been more pragmatic than those with other nations. The Chinese are highly engaging, and this collaboration has proven fruitful for Nigeria,” he stated.
Opportunities in the Face of U.S. Tariff Wars
The Minister addressed the ongoing trade disruptions triggered by the United States’ recent tariff impositions, suggesting that the situation could present new opportunities for Nigeria and Africa to deepen economic ties with China.
“The U.S. tariff regime may inadvertently create greater avenues for Nigeria—and indeed, Africa—to expand trade with China, a dominant force in global trade and economics,” he noted.
Tuggar also revealed that the Nigerian government is formulating a coordinated response to the U.S. trade policies within the stipulated 90-day window. However, he assured that Nigeria’s approach would be constructive rather than confrontational.
China Calls for Stronger Collaboration
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, echoed the need for strengthened cooperation between China and its partners to navigate the challenges posed by the global trade tensions. Speaking through Chinese Diplomat Hairong Dong, Yu highlighted the significant trade volume between Nigeria and China, which stands at $22 billion—one of the highest in Africa.
“The U.S. tariffs have impacted nations worldwide, including China and Nigeria. We must work together to overcome these turbulent economic waters,” Yu stated. “China values its partnership with Nigeria and seeks insights from stakeholders—businesses, government, academia, and media—on advancing our mutually beneficial relations.”
A Relationship Built on Trust
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Prof. Nentawe Yiwatda, represented by Special Assistant Paul Dawnson, reinforced the enduring trust between both nations.
“China says what it means and means what it says. Nigeria-China relations have always been grounded in reliability and shared progress,” he remarked.
As global trade dynamics shift, Nigeria and China appear poised to strengthen their economic and diplomatic ties. With both nations advocating for resilience and cooperation, the evolving partnership could serve as a cornerstone for Nigeria’s foreign policy in an increasingly uncertain international landscape.
