Stakeholders at a high-level dialogue on Tuesday called for strengthened economic and trade cooperation between Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China to navigate global trade challenges.
The event, themed “Maintaining Resilience and Seeking Opportunities in Nigeria-China Cooperation Amidst International Trade Disruptions and Tariff Wars,” was held at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja.
Organised by the Centre for China Studies, the dialogue brought together policymakers, scholars, industry leaders, and business stakeholders to strategise on deepening Nigeria-China ties in the face of global economic turbulence.
In his welcome address, Charles Onunaiju, Director of the Centre for China Studies, said the purpose of the dialogue is to identify and leverage opportunities in Nigeria-China relations amid U.S.-imposed trade disruptions.
He described the recent tariffs, termed “Liberation Day” by Washington, as a significant setback for global trade, with Nigeria facing a 13% tariff and China an unprecedented 146%. Onunaiju criticised these measures as self-defeating, pointing to their adverse effects on U.S. supply chains, including empty supermarket shelves and reduced port activity.
Citing Chinese President Xi Jinping’s 2022 World Economic Forum address, Onunaiju noted that the world is undergoing “profound and sweeping changes unseen in a century.” He praised China’s “Dual Circulation” economic model, which balances domestic market strength with global integration, as a blueprint for Nigeria to build resilience against trade shocks.
“Nigeria and China must focus on opportunities and minimise risks,” Onuniaju said.
He advocated for governance experience-sharing as a cornerstone of bilateral cooperation, enabling Nigeria to develop strategic foresight and adaptability in policy-making.
Also speaking, the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, reaffirmed the resilience of the Nigeria-China partnership, rooted in decades of mutual respect and collaboration.
Tuggar, represented by Mohammed Haidara, stated that the bilateral trade between both countries has grown significantly, spurring industrial development, technology transfer, and infrastructure projects across Nigeria.
“Trade disruptions, though daunting, present an opportunity for innovation and recalibration,” the Minister said. He outlined Nigeria’s ambition to diversify its economy and expand its industrial and agricultural sectors, with China’s expertise and investment playing a critical role.
The Minister advocated for enhanced cooperation in manufacturing, agriculture, and digital technology to bolster economic resilience and ensure sustainable growth.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, represented by Mrs Harrong Dong, said Nigeria and China must work together to sail through “these turbulent and torrent waters.”
“As we all know, China and Nigeria are very close partners, with trade volume reaching $22 billion, among the highest in Africa,” she said.
Other speakers stressed the need for enhanced partnerships in critical sectors such as trade, infrastructure, agriculture, technology, cultural exchange, and human capital development, to further solidify Nigeria-China relations.
