The House Committee on China-Nigeria Parliamentary Relations has strongly condemned recent remarks made by Nigerian lawmaker Sanya Omirin regarding Taiwan’s involvement in boosting Nigeria’s palm oil production. Omirin’s comments, made during a workshop organized by the Taipei Trade Office in Osun State, suggested collaboration with the “Taiwanese government,” a phrasing deemed inaccurate and contradictory to Nigeria’s official diplomatic stance. The Committee emphasized that Nigeria recognizes the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate government of China, encompassing Taiwan, and that the Taipei Trade Office operates as a commercial entity without diplomatic status. Omirin’s call for cooperation with a “Taiwanese government” was criticized for undermining Nigeria’s long-standing relationship with China, built on the One-China Principle since 1971.
The Committee underscored the importance of adherence to Nigeria’s foreign policy by public officials, urging caution in their interactions with foreign entities to avoid misrepresentations of Nigeria’s diplomatic positions. China’s significant contributions to Nigeria’s development across various sectors, including infrastructure, agriculture, and technology, were highlighted as reasons to maintain a respectful and consistent approach to diplomatic relations. The Committee stressed that pursuing agricultural progress, including palm oil production, should be conducted through official channels aligned with Nigeria’s diplomatic principles, which unequivocally uphold the One-China policy.
Nigeria’s recognition of the One-China Principle signifies its acknowledgment of the People’s Republic of China’s sovereignty over Taiwan, viewing the island as an integral part of China. The Committee’s chairman, Jaafaru Yakubu, called for Omirin to retract his statement and publicly reaffirm support for the One-China policy, emphasizing the Nigerian parliament’s unwavering commitment to this principle. This call for retraction underscores the importance of maintaining consistency and clarity in Nigeria’s diplomatic relations, particularly with a significant partner like China. The Committee affirmed its dedication to strengthening the Nigeria-China partnership for the mutual benefit of both nations.
The backdrop of this incident is the escalating tension between China and Taiwan, stemming from a protracted dispute over Taiwan’s sovereignty. China views Taiwan as a breakaway territory that should be reunified with the mainland, even by force if necessary, despite never having governed the island since the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. Taiwan, a self-governed democracy of 23 million people, possesses its own political system and military, independent of the Chinese Communist Party’s control. The dispute intensified in 2016 with the Democratic Progressive Party’s return to power in Taiwan, which refrained from explicitly endorsing the “One China” framework.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Taiwan, while not a formal member of the United Nations, holds membership in over forty multilateral organizations, predominantly regional bodies like the Asian Development Bank, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, and the World Trade Organisation. Taiwan also participates as an observer or holds other status in various international bodies. This intricate web of international involvement further underscores the sensitivity surrounding the issue of Taiwan’s status, emphasizing the need for diplomatic caution and adherence to established principles like the One-China policy.
The House Committee’s response to Omirin’s remarks highlights the importance of maintaining a unified and consistent diplomatic stance, particularly in politically sensitive areas. The One-China policy, recognizing the People’s Republic of China’s sovereignty over Taiwan, serves as the bedrock of Nigeria’s relationship with China. The Committee’s emphasis on upholding this principle signifies the importance of maintaining stable and productive diplomatic relations with China, a key development partner for Nigeria. The incident underscores the need for careful consideration and adherence to established foreign policy guidelines by public officials to avoid jeopardizing crucial bilateral relationships.
