Chinese Premier Li Qiang recently met with Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria Abbas Tajudeen, who is in Shanghai to attend the eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE).
Li said that China and Nigeria are good brothers and partners with a deep, long-standing friendship, and in recent years, China-Nigeria relations have entered the fast lane, thanks to the joint efforts of the two sides.
China is ready to continue to join hands with Nigeria on the path of advancing modernization, enhance synergy of development strategies, and expand comprehensive cooperation, to achieve more practical results and better serve the economic and social development of the two countries, he said.
Li noted that China and Nigeria are both developing countries with large populations and huge development potential, and said their economic structures are highly complementary. By strengthening their bond of cooperation, they can amass greater development synergy, he added.
He said China is willing to work with Nigeria to advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, promote the early implementation of zero-tariff measures in Nigeria, and enhance the level of cooperation between the two countries in fields such as trade, investment, agriculture, mining, infrastructure and people’s livelihoods. China also stands ready to expand cooperation with Nigeria in emerging industries such as clean energy, electric vehicles, artificial intelligence and biotechnology.
China supports Nigeria in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs, and is ready to enhance coordination and cooperation with the country within multilateral mechanisms such as BRICS, the United Nations and the World Trade Organization, Li added.
Tajudeen said that against the backdrop of rising global instability and uncertainty, China’s consistent hosting of the CIIE demonstrates its commitment to sharing development opportunities with the world and promoting common development.
Nigeria adheres firmly to the one-China principle, and firmly supports China’s efforts to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity. It is willing to enhance its exchange of governance experience with China, expand mutually beneficial cooperation on infrastructure, energy, the economy and trade, and strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges, Tajudeen said.
Highlights from Speaker Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen’s address at the Opening Ceremony of the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai on November 5, 2025:
A New Era of Cooperation:
China’s leadership in global trade continues to open new opportunities for African economies. Nigeria views the Expo as a platform for partnership and shared prosperity.
Reviving Ajaokuta Steel:
Negotiations are at an advanced stage between Nigeria and a leading Chinese state enterprise to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Company, which will become the largest Nigeria China collaboration to date.
Expanding Trade:
China Africa trade reached 280 billion dollars in the first eight months of 2025, marking a 15.4 per cent increase from last year. China remains Nigeria’s largest trading partner.
Economic Reforms Under President Tinubu:
Nigeria is implementing reforms that stabilise the economy, boost investor confidence, and promote industrial growth. The House of Representatives has supported these reforms through laws mandating 30 per cent local value addition before export and strengthening the Nigeria Export Import Bank.
Strengthening Legislative Ties:
The Nigeria China Parliamentary Friendship Group, established under Speaker Abbas, is deepening cooperation through high level exchanges and legislative diplomacy.
Nigeria’s Position on Religious Freedom:
The House of Representatives has rejected Nigeria’s designation by the United States as a “Country of Particular Concern” and reaffirmed that freedom of religion and belief is fully protected by the Nigerian Constitution. Speaker Abbas thanked China for its friendship and solidarity during this period.
A Call for Fair Trade:
True prosperity requires balance and fairness in global trade so that every nation can grow, industrialise, and compete equitably.
Shared Vision for the Future:
Nigeria and China stand as strategic partners united by mutual respect, innovation, and a shared commitment to global inclusion and sustainable development.
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