The House Committee on China-Nigeria Parliamentary Relations issued a stern rebuke to Representative Sanya Omirin over his recent remarks concerning Taiwan. Omirin, representing Atakunmosa East/Atakunmosa West/Ilesa East/Ilesa West Federal Constituency, had publicly called for collaboration with the “Taiwanese government” during a workshop organized by the Taipei Trade Office in Iperindo, Osun State. This statement, reported in an article titled “Rep seeks Taiwanese support to boost palm oil production,” drew sharp criticism from the Committee, which emphasized that Nigeria’s foreign policy explicitly recognizes the One-China Principle.
The Committee, chaired by Jaafaru Yakubu, clarified Nigeria’s stance on the Taiwan issue. They stressed that Nigeria does not recognize Taiwan as an independent nation or a “Taiwanese government.” The Taipei Trade Office in Nigeria, they explained, operates as a commercial entity, not a diplomatic mission representing a sovereign state. Omirin’s remarks, they asserted, directly contradict Nigeria’s official diplomatic position, which recognizes Taiwan as an integral part of China. This position, rooted in the One-China Principle, has been the cornerstone of Nigeria-China relations since 1971. The Committee underscored the importance of adhering to this principle, which forms the basis of the strong bilateral ties between the two nations.
The Committee’s statement further emphasized the importance of respecting diplomatic protocol and avoiding statements that misrepresent Nigeria’s foreign policy. Public officials, especially members of the parliament, bear the responsibility of upholding and accurately representing the nation’s diplomatic stance. Omirin’s call for collaboration with a “Taiwanese government,” the Committee argued, undermined Nigeria’s relationship with China, a significant development partner. China has consistently supported Nigeria’s development across various sectors, including infrastructure, agriculture, and technology, contributing significantly to the nation’s progress.
The Committee’s statement explicitly highlighted the proper channels for seeking international collaborations, particularly in agricultural development, including palm oil production. These initiatives, they stated, should be pursued through established diplomatic channels, engaging with recognized international partners, including China, in alignment with Nigeria’s foreign policy. Directly engaging with Taiwan as a separate entity, as suggested by Omirin, disregards established diplomatic norms and potentially jeopardizes Nigeria’s relationship with China. The Committee further clarified that advancements in palm oil production, a specific area of interest for Omirin, could be effectively pursued through collaboration with China, given its expertise and resources in agricultural development.
Furthermore, the Committee’s response went beyond mere clarification. They called on Representative Omirin to retract his statements that implied recognition of Taiwan as an independent entity and to publicly reaffirm his commitment to the One-China Principle. This public retraction, they argued, would demonstrate a commitment to upholding Nigeria’s foreign policy and repairing any potential damage caused by his earlier remarks. The Committee emphasized the importance of maintaining a consistent and unified message regarding Nigeria’s foreign policy, especially concerning sensitive issues like the status of Taiwan.
Finally, the Committee reiterated Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the One-China Principle and its support for China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. They underscored the importance of the robust partnership between Nigeria and China, built over decades of mutual respect and cooperation. Maintaining this strong bilateral relationship, they argued, is crucial for the mutual benefit of both nations and contributes to regional and global stability. The Committee’s firm response to Omirin’s remarks serves as a clear message about the importance of upholding Nigeria’s foreign policy principles and preserving the strong bilateral relationship with China.
