By Ayomide Otitoju
The Director-General of the Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Joseph Tegbe, has congratulated the Government and people of China as they celebrate the Spring Festival and usher in a new Lunar Year, noting that the occasion coincides with the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China.
In a statement, Tegbe described the milestone as a reflection of a resilient and steadily expanding partnership that has evolved since formal diplomatic ties were established in 1971 into one of Africa’s most significant economic relationships. He noted that the bilateral relationship, now elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, spans infrastructure development, trade, industrial investment, technology cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.
According to him, China remains one of Nigeria’s largest trading partners and a major contributor to infrastructure modernisation, supporting rail, port, power and industrial projects that have strengthened productive capacity and national connectivity.
Tegbe characterised the current phase of engagement as a “new dawn,” driven by a shift towards higher-value economic integration and export-led growth. He highlighted China’s Zero-Tariff initiative for qualifying African exports, including Nigeria, as a major opportunity to expand non-oil exports and deepen industrial processing.
“The Zero-Tariff Agreement offers Nigerian producers enhanced access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets and creates a strategic pathway for export diversification and job creation,” he said, stressing that effective implementation, quality compliance and robust private sector participation would be critical to maximising the benefits.
He added that the NCSP is working with relevant stakeholders to ensure Nigeria fully leverages the preferential trade arrangement and translates diplomatic goodwill into measurable economic gains.
“As we celebrate 55 years of partnership, the Spring Festival’s spirit of renewal reflects the next phase of China–Nigeria relations—one defined by deeper economic integration, industrial upgrading and shared prosperity,” Tegbe stated.
