MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS RECEIVES CHINESE AMBASSADOR

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja

Press Release

No: MFA/PR/2026/177

MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS RECEIVES CHINESE AMBASSADOR

The Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, on Monday, 27th July 2026, received in audience His Excellency Yu Dunhai, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Nigeria, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Headquarters, Abuja.

The Chinese Ambassador congratulated the Minister of State on his well-deserved appointment and expressed optimism about working closely with him during his tour of duty.

The meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to review the excellent state of bilateral relations between Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China, anchored on mutual respect, equality, and shared commitment to development. Discussions focused on strengthening the Nigeria–China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, particularly in the areas of trade and investment, infrastructure development, industrialisation, energy, agriculture, education, and people-to-people exchanges.

The Honourable Minister of State reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the One-China Policy and expressed appreciation for China’s continued partnership in support of Nigeria’s economic transformation agenda under the leadership of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. He further highlighted the positive impact of China’s zero-tariff policy for eligible Nigerian exports and the opportunities it presents for expanding Nigerian products in the Chinese market, enhancing value addition, and creating jobs for Nigerian citizens.

Ambassador Yu Dunhai earlier conveyed the warm greetings of the Government and people of China and underscored China’s readiness to deepen practical cooperation with Nigeria across priority sectors. He stated that following the introduction of the Zero Tariff Policy, the volume of export to China from Nigeria has witnessed over 88% increase. He also used the opportunity to appreciate the participation of Nigeria at the inaugural meeting of the World Artificial Intelligence Organization and called on Nigeria to work towards becoming a founding member of the global body.

In his response, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye promised to raise the issue with relevant government agencies for necessary advice. Both sides agreed on the need to sustain high-level political consultations, expand mutually beneficial economic engagement, and explore new avenues of collaboration in science and technology, the digital economy, and regional peace and security.

The meeting took place in a warm and cordial atmosphere reflective of the time-honoured friendship between Nigeria and China, which this year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains committed to advancing Nigeria’s national interests through strategic and mutually beneficial partnerships that deliver tangible benefits for the Nigerian people.

Signed:

Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, anipr
Spokesperson
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja
Tuesday 28, July 2026