China and Nigeria convened in Abuja for the International Conference (West Africa) Second Post-FOCAC Abuja Forum, a significant event designed to solidify and expand their strategic partnership while charting a course for broader African modernization. The forum focused on the practical implementation of the “Ten Partnership Actions” announced at the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in Beijing. These actions encompass a wide spectrum of collaborative endeavors, including infrastructure development, trade expansion, fostering green development initiatives, enhancing healthcare systems, advancing digital technology adoption, and bolstering cooperation in other vital sectors. The forum underscored a shared commitment to mutual growth and development, reflecting a burgeoning partnership between China and Africa.
Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, articulated the shared vision driving the partnership, emphasizing the intent to accelerate China-Africa modernization and elevate their shared future to new heights. He highlighted the rapid progress made in implementing the “Ten Partnership Actions” since the FOCAC Beijing Summit just nine months prior. This progress, evident in strengthened strategic trust, deepened practical cooperation, and enhanced multilateral coordination, underscores the solid foundation, shared needs, and immense potential of the China-Africa partnership. Ambassador Dunhai pointed to specific examples like the removal of tariffs on exports from 53 African countries and the offer of deeper collaboration in emerging industries, demonstrating China’s commitment to fostering African economic growth.
Ambassador Dunhai’s remarks emphasized the importance of China and Africa standing on the right side of history, championing progress, and countering global uncertainty with the stability and resilience of their relationship. He expressed confidence that the combined strength of the 2.8 billion people in China and Africa would drive modernization, not only for their respective regions but also across the Global South. This collaboration, he posited, would contribute significantly to a more equal and orderly multipolar world and inclusive economic globalization, ultimately fostering a shared future for all mankind. He highlighted bilateral achievements such as the launch of a lithium processing facility in Nasarawa State and the revitalization of the Ajaokuta Steel Plant, further showcasing tangible outcomes of the partnership. The ambassador also reiterated China’s willingness to negotiate an Economic Partnership Agreement with Nigeria to further unlock trade potential, demonstrating a proactive approach to strengthening economic ties.
Joseph Tegbe, Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), emphasized Nigeria’s shift towards a more structured and development-focused relationship with China. He highlighted the elevation of the partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership following FOCAC 2024, signifying a move beyond mere diplomatic relations to a robust development partnership built on mutual trust and respect. The establishment of the NCSP under the Nigerian Presidency further formalizes this long-term bilateral engagement, enabling a more focused, coordinated, and future-oriented approach. Tegbe underscored the alignment of the NCSP with both Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda and China’s Belt and Road Initiative, demonstrating synergistic potential for both nations.
Tegbe detailed the NCSP’s focus on fostering collaboration across key sectors, including infrastructure, trade, health, technology, agriculture, and education, aligning with the broader goals of the “Ten Partnership Actions”. He highlighted Nigeria’s integration into these actions and the tangible benefits already realized, such as zero-tariff access for Nigerian exports to China, aiming to leverage this advantage to become a net exporter like Brazil. He outlined significant infrastructure projects, totaling over $8 billion, identified and prioritized under FOCAC, with Nigeria having already committed a similar amount in the past decade. This highlights the substantial investment in infrastructure development driving the partnership. Furthermore, Tegbe highlighted ongoing collaboration in public health, referencing China’s pledge to send medical professionals to Africa and invest in hospital alliances, complementing Nigeria’s Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain.
The forum served as a platform to showcase not only the breadth and depth of the China-Nigeria partnership but also its strategic importance within the broader context of China-Africa relations. Tegbe emphasized the NCSP’s role in promoting exchange programs, green energy ventures, and joint efforts on security, further solidifying the multi-faceted nature of the collaboration. He reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for the implementation of the partnership actions, expressing confidence in Nigeria’s readiness to receive further disbursements from the $51 billion African fund portfolio. Professor Sheriff Ibrahim, Director of the Centre for Contemporary China-Africa Research, aptly characterized the evolving China-Africa relationship as a “formidable force,” a “concert of giants,” a “bandwagon of hope,” and a “journey of resilience,” encapsulating the partnership’s strength, scale, potential, and enduring nature. The Abuja forum served as a testament to the growing synergy between China and Nigeria, setting the stage for continued collaboration and mutual progress in the years to come.
